Body with improved surface properties

ABSTRACT

The invention describes surfaces as well as combinations of surfaces which possess at least two different structure implementations. These structure formations can consist of any combinations of directed and non-directed structures, with their main formation dimensions being in the micro-meter range. By means of combinations of the surface structuring it is possible both, to improve the benefits of the individual structures and to fulfil new tasks.

The described invention relates to a body with surfaces which areequipped with structures, according to invention, and because of thatthey possess improved characteristics. Especially such surfaces whichmight get in contact with both, fluid and also solid media, and whichmight be soiled/contaminated by any materials and particles or whichmight be impurified or deposited in any other way.

Furthermore, surfaces are described which are improved by specialstructuring as well as combinations of materials, surface modifications,and other measures to modify shape, material and function, to the effectthat surfaces will show advantages, both in the field of aerodynamicfrictional resistance and hydrodynamic frictional resistance (reductionof turbulences and influence on stall and/or flow separation behavior),and also in the field of motion on the respective substrate or in therespective medium, in addition to that the surface is optimized in itsfunction/it possibly becomes safer with respect to use and alsosoiling/icing-up is reduced.

In improving characteristics of surfaces, there have been attempts forquite some time now, to find possibilities, how to reduce soiling and/orhow to increase the self-cleaning capacity.

Patent applications EP 0772514 and WO 00/58410 are well-known exampleswith respect to this topic.

They describe self-cleaning surfaces in the form of protrusions andrecesses which at least partially possess hydrophobic characteristics,in different production methods and developments, like e.g. withpermanently applied surface structures or with structures which can bedetached by detergents.

Furthermore there are applications which relate to surfaces whichdescribe reduced frictional resistance with flow-around media.

For example, patents DE 19650439 C1, DE 3609541 C2, where rib structuresare described which affect flow boundary layers. Disadvantages of thesedescribed self-cleaning surfaces are both, the limited dimension of theapplied particles of the structures and the limited production variants,and also the fact that the cleaning effect is limited to water.

Furthermore, no safety regulation aspects have been considered.

Disadvantages of applications with respect to friction-reducingstructures are, that in general they describe very specific surfacestructures which are defined to very special applications ordevelopments, in both, their dimension and application. Furthermore theyare also limited to special application ranges (vehicles, airplanes,etc.), above all, virtually exclusively to interface-affectingcharacteristics and here especially to friction-reducingcharacteristics, e.g. to increase speeds or to reduce energy amountsrequired. Compared to the surface, according to invention, othersurfaces especially those provided with structures, show very manydisadvantages.

None of the existing structures can cover the whole range of tasks,covered by the surface according to invention. Furthermore, additionalsolutions are provided for application by the surface, according toinvention, which can be achieved neither by presently known,friction-reducing surfaces (e.g. patents DE 19650439 C1, DE 3609541 C2),nor by the self-cleaning surfaces in the respective, describedembodiments.

It will be possible with this invention, to apply certain structuredsurfaces under condition, not feasible so far. The invention describesan innovative surface which combines at least some of the advantages ofthe above described different structures, and which also possesses new,improved characteristics by suitable combination, according toinvention, and developments and tasks, according to invention, of thesurface structures to be described, and which provides new applicationoptions. This is achieved by combinations and formation, according toinvention, as well as material characteristics of different surfacestructures.

A body is equipped with a plurality of surfaces which get in contactwith different media,

-   -   wherein a first surface is provided with a first surface        structuring in the micrometer range and/or in the nanometer        range, wherein the first surface structuring is adapted to a        first medium which gets in contact with the first surface,    -   wherein a second surface is provided with a second surface        structuring in the micrometer range and/or in the nanometer        range, wherein the second surface structuring is adapted to a        second medium which gets in contact with the second surface.

It must be annotated that the first and the second medium can be thesame media or they can be different media of the same phase (liquid,solid, gaseous), e.g. both media can be a liquid of the same viscosityor of differing viscosity, or a gas or a solid body.

It is desirable with many surfaces, e.g. due to the application of thesurface of an object, as well as several or all surfaces of objects of abody, to allocated several equal or different characteristics at thesame time, e.g. both friction-reducing characteristics with one orseveral different fluid media, maybe even with different flowing speedsand even with different approach flow directions, and also certainself-cleaning characteristics with respect to different media.

This can vary to the effect that e.g. the surface which supportsself-cleaning can be developed on the same object, but in differentsurface areas, both hydrophobic and lipophobic, in order to be able tobest fulfil the desired tasks.

In addition to that the surface, according to invention, can take overtasks apart from self-cleaning, such as the easier prevention of depositand solidification of heavier materials on the bottom on objects (e.g.containers), they also can improve, facilitate and speed up thepouring-out of materials and/or take along material deposited on theside walls due to combination, according to invention, with suitable,direction-oriented structures.

Also, it is often useful, to equip a surface, an object or othersubstrates with technical characteristics, which cannot be solvedsufficiently by state-of-the-art or only with very complex technicalelaborateness.

The present invention describes surfaces with arrangements ofstructures, according to invention, which both, possess,friction-reducing and self-cleaning surface characteristics and caninfluence the flowing speeds and flowing directions by intentionallyused developments and, moreover, retard, or if required, also acceleratethe change from laminar to turbulent flows, and they can be developed inany combinations of structures according to the tasks they have tofulfil. Moreover, the surfaces, according to invention, show furtheradvantages.

They can, depending on their application, be used for exchange of fluidmedia, e.g. for selective passage processes.

In addition, the surfaces, according to invention, can be equipped withfunctionalized surface structures or materials, in a specialdevelopment.

Additionally, the combination of directed and non-directed structuresprovides further benefits: In special developments it is possible, touse, complete and improve the respective advantages and applicationranges of the individual structuring by the other structuring each.

For example, the friction-reducing surface can be improved in itsfunction, supported by the self-cleaning surface, to the effect that thefriction-reducing surface structure can be protected from soiling anddeposit by the self-cleaning surface structure, thus ensuring andmaintaining the function even under the influence of contaminatingfluids. Also, the self-cleaning surface structure in combination withthe friction-reducing surface structure can e.g. optimized in such a waythat the cleaning substances, e.g. water, etc., can be directed to whereoptimum cleaning is ensured or has to take place, thanks to thedirection-affecting, friction-reducing surface structure.

The advantages of the surfaces, according to invention, are veryversatile, they make it possible to allocate new applicationpossibilities to surfaces and objects and also to improve and expandexisting applications.

This invention can be applied to all surfaces of objects, especiallysuch surfaces which are exposed to frictional resistance during motion,e.g. due to air friction (gas mixture) or liquid friction (water), butalso due to frictional processes on, upon or with solid matters, or anycombinations of these aggregation states and/or combinations of mixturesor compounds of the same aggregation states.

It is the purpose of this invention, to achieve improved frictionalresistance values especially with respect to static frictional processesand sliding frictional processes and/or any combinations of theses typesof friction among each other. Furthermore, this invention includes thereduction of and/or further influence on all existing sliding frictionaleffects, among moving bodies and moving or non-moving materials/media,as well as among non-moving bodies and moving materials/media.

The different types of self-cleaning structures constitute an importantpart of the surfaces, according to invention. Due to specialmicro-structures they can be developed in varying embodiment variations(shape, dimension, material, coating, etc.), mainly in the form ofnon-directed protrusions or recesses and/or protrusions and recesses,e.g. in burl shape. Among other characteristics, these structuresfeature very low wettability values, especially obvious by large contactangles/wetting angles with the respective, mainly fluid media (e.g.water), with the help of which self-cleaning is supposed to besupported. This applies if certain conditions are met (correct dimensionof structures, distances between protrusions or recesses, and also theratio of the correspondingly adapted heights and the distances, and alsothe correct material selection, suitable for the expected contaminatingmedia and the cleaning fluids, etc.).

Which means, e.g. small droplets form almost globular surfaces on thesestructures which cannot adhere to the substrate and consequently drainvery quickly, and which bind the impurities which do not adhere to thesesubstrates or which adhere only very poorly by adhesion forces andconsequently take along the impurities during beading, thus removingthem.

Due to the individual protrusions and the gas-filled (usually air)recesses located in-between, the contaminating particles (e.g. dirtparticles) show a very small bearing area (boundary layer), since themajor part of the particle does not form a contact area with the solidsurface.

As a result, the contaminating particle(s) develops/develop higheradhesion forces with droplets with which it/they get in contact duringthe cleaning process, than with the only minimally touched solidsurface, and consequently it is/they are caught, absorbed and dischargedby the drop of water.

On can assume that it can be achieved that the surface practically doesnot get dirty any more and/or can be cleaned very easily by usingappropriate surface structures in the form of protrusions and recesses,made of appropriate materials (suitable for both for the contaminatingmaterials and the respective medium which supports cleaning), incombination with contact-preventing gas inclusion between theprotrusions and a mostly liquid moving medium, supporting the cleaning.

If required, the surface, according to invention, can be completed by adeliberate increase (suitable combination with the friction-reducing,flow direction-affecting, speed-increasing variant of the surface,according to invention) of speed, friction as well as the energy withwhich the medium support the cleaning encounters the self-cleaningsurface structure. This way the cleaning effect can be intentionallyused, improved or even made possible at all in some applications.

Compared to regular, smooth surfaces, certain types of micro-structured,self-cleaning surfaces achieve a contact angle/wetting angle, ideally,of up to 160° (with wax-type substances). These extremely hydrophobicsurfaces are called ultraphobic. A 0 degree contact angle means totalwetting, a 180 degree angle means total non-wetting.

These micro-structured surfaces are equipped with hemispherical,lenticular or burl-shaped structures which prevent the droplets fromadhering and/or which cause that the dirt particles can be rinsed offvery easily with water.

It is obvious that such a surface, according to invention, createsalmost ideal water-repellent conditions, even more so in combinationwith appropriate hydrophobizing measures, such as e.g. in the form ofhydrophobic phobizing materials (e.g. anionic, cationic, amphoteric,non-ionic interfacially active compounds), e.g. as spray or wax.

The micro-structures described below, mainly relate to the range of <1mm, with the rib structures being the _m-range, the micro-structures,however, to prevent soiling, contamination, icing-up etc., can still beconsiderably smaller, i.e. the smallest structures, depending on theapplication, can range down to the nano-range.

In existing applications, the use of micro-structured surfaces is alwaysintentionally designed for a very special application in a very specialmedium, e.g. frictional reduction with air or frictional reduction withwater. The micro-structured surfaces used in that are normally made of acertain, mostly uniform material. And the surfaces are uniformlystructured, in order to reduce frictional resistance with certain media.

The same applies to self-cleaning surface structures, they, too, areusually made of particles/protrusions of different sizes but of the samematerial in a product.

Combinations of different micro-structuring, like in the presentinvention, with different tasks, made of different materials, ondifferent elements of a surface, show clear advantages compared toimprovements invented so far.

For effective reduction of frictional resistance, differentmicro-structuring can be attached or applied to the respective surfaces,for the different media causing the friction.

The arrangement of the ribs, according to invention, with recesseslocated between two ribs each, is mainly to be applied to the respectivesurfaces in such a manner that these ribs are mainly arranged lengthwisewith regard to the respective fluid's main flow direction to beexpected, and/or the object's direction of movement or direction ofmotion, so that friction to be expected with the respective media can beminimized.

The lower the viscosity of the flow-around fluid to be expected, thesmaller the dimensions of the structures, i.e. both the distancesbetween the ribs, the spatial shaping of the protrusions and the heightsof the individual ribs can be adapted to the respective fluids.

Since air is gaseous and water is liquid, it can be quite appropriate,to apply finer structures to surfaces of objects mainly exposed to airthat than to those surfaces mainly exposed to water.

The rib-shaped surface structures, compared to all other surfacestructuring, also compared to very smooth surfaces, show clearly apositive effect on all flows circulating around bodies, i.e. both byturbulence-affecting effects and also possibly by retardation ofseparation compared to e.g. smooth surfaces.

Both effects positively influence the sliding behavior of the bodycirculated by fluids, especially so during flying/swimming/slidingwithin a uniform fluid (air/water, etc.), e.g. during ski jumping,flying, etc.

Wherein both effects show advantages on surfaces over commonimprovements, when the respective micro-structuring is applied tosurfaces according to invention.

A general improvement with respect to frictional resistance is achievedby a lengthwise-oriented rib structure on several surfaces, in this thefineness of the structures can be made subject to the respectivecirculating fluid medium. By intentional structure refining and/oradaptation of the structure on certain areas of the respective body,where flow separation behavior is to be expected most likely, thisseparation behavior can be reduced.

The effect of these structures on the boundary layer flow—especiallyprone to friction—is important for the application of the structures,according to invention, since here the different characteristics of thelaminar and turbulent flows take effect, especially on the changebetween these conditions, especially from laminar to turbulent.

The boundary layer flow is generated due to frictional forces betweenthe flowing fluid and the body which is being circulated.

The speed directly close to the body is zero, on the outmost edge of theboundary layer the fluid's speed is the same like flowing medium'sflowing speed (without frictional resistance on bodies).

On surface areas where there is a danger of boundary layer separation,it is possible, for example, to apply particularly many rib structures,with recesses adapted to the rib structures each (with respect todimension and function), to influence the respective circulating fluidmedium to such an effect that flow separation is retarded as much aspossible. By additional application of structures which reduce flowseparation (e.g. v-shaped fanned rib structures, if required, alsoappropriately dimensioned in the essential areas), and also incombination with further structures (e.g. turbulence generators), onsuitable positions of an object's surface, it is possible to furtherincrease and/or decrease the flow separation.

This entails that, for example, an flying or sliding process is notinterrupted in an uncontrolled way, especially when critical, low motionor flying speeds are concerned, but, moreover, the positive conditionscan be maintained longer.

In fluid media the flowing speeds are such that the border zones, i.e.the areas within fluid media which are in contact with other, e.g. solidmatters, are zones where friction entails—due to the adhesion among thedifferent materials—that here the fluids flow considerably slower thaninside, e.g. of a tube, where there are only the fluid's molecules andthe intermolecular frictional forces are considerably lower and, as aresult, the highest flowing speed is achieved.

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless code number for the ratio ofinertial forces and viscosity forces in a flowing liquid. Re=wl/v, withw being a characteristic speed, l being a characteristic length (tubediameter or diameter of a body which is being circulated), and v beingthe liquid's kinematic viscosity.

The critical Reynolds number is a turbulence criterion. It shows when alaminar flow changes into a turbulent one. With small low values a flowis laminar, with higher values it is turbulent.

The dimensional arrangement of the rib distances of the groove/ribstructuring, according to invention, which is to be selected each on asliding element's surface, among other factors is subject to the fact ofhow the fluid's kinematic viscosity (quotient of fluid's viscosity andits density) will be mainly causing frictional resistance.

The respective degree of wettability of a solid body by a certain fluidalways shows a state of equilibrium between cohesion and adhesion, i.e.it shows a state of reciprocal action between the wall molecules and theother molecules of the respective liquid.

Mercury is an example of a liquid forming a large wetting angle withmany surfaces. This property is based on the extremely high surfacetension existing among the individual mercury atoms.

PTFE is an example of a solid matter on which liquids form very largewetting angles.

PTFE's low tendency for adhesion can be attributed to its extremely lowsurface energy. With 18 mN/M it possesses the lowest surface energyknown of a solid body. However, due to its other properties, it has thedisadvantage of possessing a very low wear resistance.

Layer systems based on carbon (a-C:h or DLC (diamond like carbon) andMe-C:H), however, possess an ideal capacity of resistance to wear.

By incorporating different elements into the carbon network, it ispossible to intentionally influence the surface tension of the coatings.

It was possible to increase the wetting angle of water to over 100°, byusing fluorine or silicium, thus considerably reducing wettability.

This low surface tension can thus be compared to PTFE, with the coatingspossessing the hardness of ceramics materials at the same time.

Excellent adaptation to the respective requirements and media can beachieved as additional improvement and also in combination with thesurfaces, according to invention.

The ideal body is represented by the streamline body.

Its air drag coefficient is 0,055.

This value is achieved because there is neither stall nor are there anybig pressure differences which might cause whirls and thus turbulences.The laminar flow is maintained all over the whole body.

Due to application and development, according to invention, of thegrooves, mainly lengthwise oriented with respect to the body, it can beassumed that the grooves and the upper edges of the ribs of thestructuring will hamper the development of cross flows within theviscous bottom layer thus achieving turbulence reduction in the boundarylayer. This, in turn, entails that there is less pulse exchange andconsequently a generally lower turbulent shearing strain is to beexpected. It also can be assumed that in case of slight angular approachflow against the ribs they will affect the flow close to the body insuch a manner that this flow close to the body will develop more into adirection parallel to the body.

This characteristic can be used to apply the rib structures on a surfacein such a way and direction as to ensure that they can be used at leastpartially in a flow direction-affecting way thus improving andfacilitating the two or three-dimensional directing of the body (thisalso applies to sliding elements for ski jumping).

This effect shows the big advantage that is can be expected for bothtypes of flows, laminar and turbulent flows, and also in this connectionfor gaseous and liquid media. This in turn can be utilized for differentsurfaces which might be structured in varying ways (since they get incontact with different fluids), and also since they might have somewhatdiffering tasks on the respective surface due to their position withrespect to frictional reduction and thus providing advantages.

The factor s=2 h has turned out to be a good dimensional ration of theheight h of the protrusions and the distance s between the protrusionsh, however, the value might vary considerably, depending on theapplication.

Trapezoid grooves proved to be very useful, with protrusions, showing alateral inclination of approx. 30-45°, in triangular shape, if requiredthey also can be developed in different inclination angles. It is ofcourse possible, to adapt the outer shape of the protrusions torequirements, as well as the angle, the distance between the protrusionsand the material from which these micro-structured surfaces are made.

According to invention, it is possible, in contrary to the above, toapply certain e.g. complementing structuring in certain zones of thesurface, for example structures running diagonal to the direction ofmotion, which can specifically drain off an excessive fluid or which canalso fulfil other tasks, such as the generation of friction orturbulences. In addition to that refined or coarsened structuring oncertain areas of the surface can cause other, improved characteristicsof the object equipped with these surfaces.

Ideally, a main structural variant of the surface should possessrib-type structures which are applied in the direction of motion in sucha way that a density of approx. 10-35, for example, trapezoidal,U-shaped, V-shaped, L-shaped grooves per mm is achieved.

This provides several benefits, on one hand a very good sliding abilityis to be expected based on the reduced static frictional forces due tothis kind of structuring, on the other hand the surface remains verystable in spite of relatively many ribs, due to the large number ofprotrusions (can be compared to the nail bed of a fakir). If required,this rib structure can be completed by a scale structure in addition.

One can proceed on the assumption that these surfaces can be still mademore slidable, if the suitable lubricant, such as wax or similar agents,is applied to the surface.

The construction of surfaces featuring friction-reducing as well asself-cleaning and/or non-soiling function, can be applied to all otherproducts, too, which are either exposed to gaseous friction, liquidfriction or even a certain friction with solid matters/soiling (e.g.motion due to a not completely solid accumulation of at least partiallysolid individual matters, such as sand, earth, ball-type elements,granules, etc.), as well as all possible mixtures of different/the samestates of aggregation, as well as mixtures of different/the samematerials in the same or different states of aggregation.

The application, according to invention, applies to both, bodies whichare moved due to their own power (car, bicycle, etc.), and such moveddue to other powers (acceleration due to gravity, motor power, muscularpower, etc.)

Micro-structuring of sports devices is especially worth mentioning sincein this sector attempts have been permanently made to develop newproducts with even better characteristics, to gain new maximumperformance and improve the general use and application.

It applies in general that there is no imperative necessity ofconsiderably changing the outer shape, to achieve much better surfacecharacteristics or make them possible at all.

Different techniques can be applied to produce the structures, accordingto invention, such as lithographic methods (e.g. LIGA-method),micro-casting, mechanical micro technology, laser micro processing, heatembossing, injection molding, plasma techniques, etc.

For the finer micro-structure restraining dirtying, sintering mightpossibly be suitable in addition (whirl sintering, powder and possibleelectrostatic powder spraying, etc.), for plastics, such as PE.

Energy is transferred into the surface of the solid matter by plasmatreatment of surfaces, in a very special plasma-specific way. Plasmasare thus very suitable for surface treatments. They can activate,roughen, i.e. make the molecular elements of the surface receptive forthe connection with other substances. But they are also suitable fordirect surface coating by appropriate selection of process gases.

An adhesive metallization can be applied to a surface prepared that wayby means of conventional palladium-infection. It is possible with thismethod to metallize plastics in an adhesive way which so far could notbe metallized or only supported by a high amount of foreign matteradditives. With the help of suitable methods, even PTFE can beadhesively metallized.

A different, large range of application for plasma-activated surfacesare surfaces of foils and plastics. When treating surfaces with lowtemperature plasma types, there is a further step which is usually takenthan to just activate the surfaces.

The next step is functionalization.

Treatment of plastics parts with oxygen as process gas, for example,results in hydroxyl, carbonyl or ester groups, too, i.e. chemicallyfunctional molecule parts which make parts pre-treated that wayreceptive for further surface processes (modification of characteristicsof surfaces, depending on desired requirements—hydrophobic andwax-friendly, electrically conductive, etc.).

The outward appearance of an object is determined by its surface; in theapplication range of modified surfaces, according to invention,especially wettability and friction play an important role here.

Plasma technology can also be used for economical production of suchmicro and nano-structures, according to invention. With the aid ofplasma technology it is possible to apply thin ceramics structures whichare micro and/or nano-structured e.g. to metal plugs which in turn canemboss, for example, materials, embossable by ceramics structures, likee.g. plastics (PMMA, etc.) with this micro/nano-structure. Structureformation of the ceramics layer takes place in a self-organising way,but the plasma process must be controlled to the effect that theself-organization desired for the respective application takes place inorder to achieve the respective structure.

It is possible to produce e.g. rollers, structured according toinvention, by means of plasma processes. These rollers can be made, e.g.out of metal, etc. for heat-embossing nano/micro-structures to certainsurfaces of objects, and also nano/micro-structures to all othersurfaces of all elements, required for the use of these objects andadditionally used elements, which consist of embossable materials.

The invention described hereunder consists of a multitude ofpossibilities for improvement which not necessarily have to be appliedto one single surface or to one and the same product, moreover, everysingle improvement can also be used separately. If all possibilities areused, however, the surface can be optimally adapted to the respectivesurrounding conditions and media.

In order to describe the advantages of the invention in their diversityof application, a winter sports sliding element is described in thefirst example. This example relates to sliding elements in general.

Subsequently for examples will follow in a shortened way to show thebroad application range of the surface, according to invention.

EXAMPLE 1

The first example describes snow sliding elements the surfaces of whichare improved by special structuring as well as combinations ofmaterials, surface modifications, and other measures relating tomodifying shape, material and function, to the effect that the slidingelement will show advantages, both in the field of aerodynamicfrictional resistance and hydrodynamic frictional resistance (reductionof turbulences and influence on stall and/or flow separation behavior),and also in the field of sliding on the respective ground, in additionto that it is optimized in its function/it possibly becomes safer withrespect to use and also soiling/icing-up is reduced.

This invention can be applied to all surfaces of objects which areexposed to frictional resistance during motion, e.g. due to air friction(gas mixture) or liquid friction (water), but also due to frictionalprocesses on, upon or with solid matters, or any combinations of theseaggregation states and/or combinations of mixtures or compounds of thesame aggregation states.

It is the purpose of this invention, to achieve improved frictionalresistance values especially with respect to static frictional processesand sliding frictional processes and/or any combinations of theses typesof friction among each other. Furthermore, this invention includes thereduction of and/or further influence on all existing sliding frictionaleffects, among moving bodies and moving or non-moving materials/media,as well as among non-moving bodies and moving materials/media.Furthermore it is achieved by a respective application of the inventionthat due to the improved surfaces of the sliding elements both isobtained, an improved, safer function of the surface elements (binding,ski brake, etc.), and also a considerable reduction of theicing-up/soiling (deposit of non-desired materials on the surface) ofthese elements which optimizes use and wearing convenience of thesliding elements.

The sliding surfaces of skis produced today are made of polymers whichcan be economically produced, such as polyethylene, and usually theypossess small grooves running in sliding direction (lengthwisedirected), replacing the center furrow used in the past.

PE is a low-priced material which due to its thermoplastic propertiescan be formed both with minimal effort and also in a cost effective way.

It is the purpose of many improvements to modify the sliding surfaces ofsliding elements by using new materials to the effect that therespective sliding element can slide faster on the respective ground. Itis a disadvantage of many of these ideas that very expensive materialsmust be used or that the production of the respective soles is veryexpensive and elaborate, especially with respect to the fact that indoing so only a part of the sliding element can be improved.

Among other things, the disadvantage of presently used soles it theirwettability. The wettability of the polyethylene material by water isstill very severe due to the presently applied type of structuring.

This means that the prevailing sliding frictional forces hamper slidingof the sliding element on the ground.

Without wax the wettability values of PE-surfaces are wetting angles ofbelow 80°, i.e. consequently a reduced sliding ability of the slidingelement results from that, among other things due to increasedfrictional values.

In the present use, the sliding frictional forces are reduced by specialwax mixtures which among other things are intended to reduce the sole'ssurface wettability by water.

Using good special waxes today (fluorine waxes), wettability values areachieved in form of measurable wetting angles/contact angles of approx.120°, contrary to approx. 80°-90° wetting angles for PE-surfaces treatedwith regular waxes.

Furthermore, there were attempts to achieve friction-reducing effects bychanging the outer shape of snow sliding elements, in order to improvethe aerodynamics of the sliding element to the effect that sliding on itis supposed to be more comfortable. In addition to that, a highersliding speed was to be enabled due to the reduction of air friction.

Many of these existing improvement show the disadvantage of beingexpensive and economically not efficient, moreover there are otherdisadvantages entailed, such as an increased weight of the slidingelement or other disadvantages with respect to application, storage oruse, occurring to due the differing structural shape.

A further problem which has not been sufficiently solved so far withrespect to using sliding elements, and here especially snow slidingelements, is the restraint use of the snow sliding element occurring dueto snow deposits on and icing-up of the upper sides of the snow slidingelement.

This can mean both a safety hazard and it can also cause slidingimpediments during motion and it can cause problems during buckling-onof the snow sliding element.

These problems relate to the snow sliding element itself and also to thebinding area and the ski boot. It is often not possible to enter thebinding and have it engage properly due to snow or icing-up in the areaof the ski boot's binding and/or sole.

The solutions applied so far, however, show some disadvantages. The mainproblem here most likely is the fact that an object—e.g. in the form ofan ice scraper—is not sufficiently attractive for a potential user.

Such an object is either disturbing, if a person is supposed to carry italways along. And it is also disturbing, and possibly even dangerous, itsuch an object is fastened to the snow sliding element, the ski pole orany other piece of equipment.

Furthermore, an additional product which might not always be requireddepending on the prevailing snow and weather conditions, is most likelyto be considered as disturbing accessory by most users of snow slidingelements.

There are also differing attempts, to prevent and/or reduce icing-up andsoling of safety-relevant mechanical parts at or on the snow slidingelement. One of the examples are snow protectors which are attached toor on the snow sliding element which results in a higher weight,troublesome handling as well as different motion characteristics, and—ofcourse—like the ice scrapers they also would have to be purchased asadditional accessory and/or additionally attached. Consequently thismeans more costs and efforts for the user.

The wettability of PE-soles is reduced in the present use by applyingwax onto the sole lining which itself possesses very hydrophobiccharacteristics. The success of waxing is increased by applying the waxat an increased temperature (approx. 130 degrees Celsius) (hot waxing).As a result of this process the wax can intrude the top layer of thepolymer thus achieving an improvement of the hydrophobic characteristicsof the polymer, i.e. of the sole's lining. The disadvantage of thisprocedure is, with respect to regularly structured soles, that the solecan only absorb and/or store a very limited amount of wax, due to itsrelatively coarse structure and the surface which is consequently onlyminimally enlarged.

The mentioned structures also show the disadvantage that the water filmunder the ski does not regulate to a sufficient degree under wet snowconditions and thus the excessive water cannot be discharged. This canbe attributed to the presently used fine, longitudinal structuring ofthe sole. This can cause a suction effect if air cannot intrude inbetween the corresponding areas and/or was entrapped before.

Should a diagonal structure be used in addition to prevent the suctioneffect by leading off excessive water laterally and bringing air betweenthe surfaces, there will be a problem of increased friction on theground and thus reduced sliding ability which can be attributed to thestructures running across the sliding direction or at an angle.

The general problem of many improvements of sliding elements is that inmost cases there are attempts to optimize only a very special part of anelement, a device, etc. by means of suitable improvements.

In contrary to the above, the invention described hereunder showsseveral positive effects, i.e. not only partially with respect to acertain part of the sliding element, moreover both with respect tooptimization of individual functional units (sole, binding area, etc.),and also with respect to the functioning of the whole sliding element.

The improvement, according to invention, with respect to the slidingelement is achieve by respective structure adaptation and/or newstructuring or partial structuring of areas with micro-structure,according to invention, not structured so far and/or such surfaces whichdo possess structures, however, which can be improved and completed bymicro-structure.

This clearly provides advantages and improvements compared to othersolutions applied so far.

Among other purposes, the application of the surfaces on slidingelements, according to invention, is such to improve those to the effectthat e.g. the sole will achieve a lower frictional value with the groundby means of suitable micro-structuring and as a result the slidingelement can slide better and faster.

Furthermore the invention, applied to the remaining surfaces except forthe sole, causes a reduction of the air resistance of the whole slidingelement, thus additionally causing a more comfortable use as well as afaster sliding speed.

Moreover, the problem of soiling of the sliding element can be reducedand/or prevented with the help of a special variant of themicro-structure of this invention. And also the undesired deposit ofsnow and ice at and on the sliding element and in the binding area canbe reduced and/or prevented.

Moving on the sliding element and also entering the binding are bothconsiderably facilitated as a result.

Moreover the hazards are considerably reduced with respect to problemswith the ski binding and the ski brake and/or all moving mechanicalelements.

The possibility of malfunctions occurring can be reduced since theprobability of occurring problems due to non-releasing/blocking of thebinding and/or unintended releasing due to foreign bodies (ice, snow,dirt, etc.) can be prevented to a very high degree since most foreignbodies cannot adhere to the surface structured according to inventionand/or can be rinsed off very easily by water.

Furthermore, the sliding elements, structured according to invention, aswell as all other bodies structured in the same way, such as shoes,clothing, etc. get dirty less easily and show the advantage of easiercleaning and/or of getting less dirty even during open transport, e.g.on a vehicle.

Equipped with line-of-strike structures (micro-structures running mainlyin direction of motion), the micro-structures rather have afriction-reducing and turbulence-reducing function, withoutline-of-strike structures (non-direction controlled structuring) theyrather have a self-cleaning function.

There will be practically no additional costs for the user for thisinvention since the invention is purchased with the ski and the ski is ahigher-quality product as a result of the improvements. There are nonegative aspects with respect to the optimized product, such as e.g.increased weight, protruding parts which might cause injuries, orsimilar aspects which might reverse the advantage of the improvementinto disadvantages with respect to other fields of use. Due tomicro-structuring the surface area is very much enlarged. With suitable,very thin-viscosity hot waxes this kind of surface can store a very muchhigher amount of wax than the conventional sole lining structures.Moreover the wax intake itself is very much facilitated due to the muchfiner structuring.

Similar facts apply to other substances which enhance the slidingability of a sliding element, such as e.g. sprays or liquids whichprevent icing-up and which might be used instead of wax, among others,for very severely structured cross country skis.

Movement during skiing is basically influenced by two factors: the firstbeing the air resistance, the second being the friction forces on thesnow and/or the ground in general. These friction forces mainly consistof sliding frictional forces and static frictional forces.

Both types of resistance forces can be reduced by the structuralmodification of the sliding element's surfaces, according to invention,i.e. by suitable micro-structuring of the surface.

I.e. by micro-structuring both, the sole and also the complete upperside of the ski including the steel edges and the sidewalls of the ski.

There are many factors which can contribute to improve the movingcharacteristics, and also to optimize the use of a sliding element.

These improvements, according to invention, relate to the whole slidingelement, including the binding and ski boots, as well as clothing andaccessories of the user.

The micro-structures described below mainly relate to the range of <1mm, with the groove structures being in the m-range, themicro-structures, however, to prevent icing-up and soiling, e.g. in thebinding area, can still be considerably smaller, i.e. the smalleststructures, depending on the application, can range down to thenano-range.

Combinations of different micro-structures, like in the inventiondescribed here, with different tasks, out of different materials, ondifferent elements of a device, like e.g. a sliding element, showdistinct advantages over improvements invented so far.

According to invention, the sliding element, in particular the snowsliding element, is improved in its characteristics by considerablyimproved values of all surfaces by respective application ofmicro-structuring in terms of frictional resistance, turbulence tendencyand stall and/or flow separation behavior, and also by application ofsuitable micro-structuring, according to invention, soiling and/oricing-up can be considerably reduced and/ore prevented.

For an effective reduction of the frictional forces, differentmicro-structures can be attached or applied to the respective surfacesof the sliding element, suitable for the different media which areresponsible for friction.

Thus a different type of micro-structuring might be suitable for thesurface of the sliding element in the sole area, approx. 10-25grooves/mm, since for every surface the micro-structuring should beselected which most effectively reduces frictional resistance with therespective fluids, since here mainly friction processes take place withrelatively viscous fluids (water).

On the upper side of the sliding element the micro-structuring should berelatively fine, i.e. for example approx. 10-35 ribs/mm, since here itis mainly air (gas mixture) which acts as medium to generate frictionalresistance.

The structures should be applied mostly lengthwise on the slidingelement, so that they are aligned in moving direction with regular usageof the sliding element.

To optimize frictional resistance it is also useful, according toinvention, to furnish both the binding and the boot, if required, on allsurfaces with a micro-structure aligned in moving direction.

Furthermore, the sliding element, especially snow sliding element, ismicro-structured, according to invention, in such a way (with smallhydrophobic protrusions in a distributed way (burl structure),permanently attached) that soiling and/or icing-up (deposited by snow)is reduced and/or prevented and/or it can be removed very easily withthe effect of water; the micro-structuring especially relates to thebinding area, i.e. surface in binding area, binding, brake, as well asplate under the binding (elevation plate), but also to the parts on theboot relevant for fixing the snow sliding element to the user/personwearing it.

The respective degree of wettability of a solid body by a certain fluidalways shows a state of equilibrium between cohesion and adhesion, i.e.it shows a state of reciprocal action between the wall molecules and theother molecules of the respective liquid.

PTFE is an example of a solid matter on which liquids form very largewetting angles.

However, due to its other properties, it has the disadvantage ofpossessing a very low wear resistance.

Layer systems based on carbon (a-C:h or DLC (diamond like carbon) andMe-C:H), however, possess an ideal capacity of resistance to wear.

By incorporating different elements into the carbon network, it ispossible to intentionally influence the surface tension of the coatings.

It was possible to increase the wetting angle of water to over 100°, byusing fluorine or silicium, thus considerably reducing wettability.

This low surface tension can thus be compared to PTFE, with the coatingspossessing the hardness of ceramics materials at the same time.

Wax: It is the purpose, in developing different types of waxes, toachieve a contact angle/wetting angle as large as possible in the ratioof surface (PE sole) and drop of water. It seems to be a fact thatcontact angles of at least 80° are desirable for locomotion on snow,i.e. all improvements achieving values in excess of 120° (PE sole withfluorine waxes) are extremely interesting.

A 0 degree contact angle means total wetting, a 180 degree angle meanstotal non-wetting.

Burled, micro-structured surfaces, according to invention, possessspecial structures which prevent droplets from adhering and/or whichcause that dirt particles can be rinsed off very easily by water.

It can thus be established that such a surface, applied to slidingelements, would create mostly ideal water-repellent conditions, evenmore so in combination with appropriate hydrophobizing measures, such ase.g. in the form of hydrophobic phobizing materials (e.g. anionic,cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic interfacially active compounds), e.g. asspray or wax.

The actual sliding of the ski on snow is based at least partially on thesame principle like the sliding of ice-skates on ice.

This special physical feature is based on a special characteristic ofwater and is called regelation. It describes the pressure dependence ofthe phase transition from solid to liquid states of aggregation formaterials the melt of which possesses a higher density than their solidphase (water, bismuth, gallium).

Such materials can be melted under the influence of pressure, withdecreasing pressure there will be solidification again. On the otherhand, in addition to the regelation, formation of microscopically smalldroplets ensues as a result of friction. When the sliding surface of theski slides across the snow, friction is generated and thus heat. Thesnow crystals are partially melted for a short time under the lining dueto this frictional heat (formation of microscopically small droplets).This partial melting is responsible for the sliding process among otherfactors.

Excessive formation of microscopically small droplets, however, createsa water film and thus adhesion forces and a suction effect whichcounteracts sliding.

The sliding surface structure decisively influences the ski's slidingand also turning characteristics.

The structure reduces friction between snow and sliding surface. It isrecommended to select a very fine, almost smooth structuring for drycrystalline snow, and a somewhat coarser for amorphous smooth snow,above all, to counteract a suction effect.

The presently used structure of the PE sole is treated with a specialrotating stone which impresses different patterns into the ski's lining,subject to feed and rotation speed. These patterns are then used to havethe ski slide on the available water film, depending on moistureconditions of the snow.

The influence of the water film on the sliding behavior of the slidingelement is to be controlled by means of the fine channels, mainlyrunning in moving direction, and to be adapted to the respectiverequirements.

The suction effect can be counteracted by structuring the sole,according to invention.

Due to the large number of protrusions and recesses and the continuousmovement of the snow sliding element, a small amount of air, entrappedin these recesses, permanently counteracts the suction effect.

Furthermore, a hydrophobizing effect is achieved, also bymicro-structuring, which counteracts the suction effect.

These hydrophobizing characteristics entail in addition that the skishows very little friction with the ground, which possibly might resultin less wear and tear of the ski sole's lining material.

Also, turbulence tendency, frictional resistance and stall of therespective flow-around fluids are reduced due to micro-structuring ofthe snow sliding element's surfaces, according to invention.

It is of course possible that the linings, structured according toinvention, can be made of suitable materials other than the onespresently used, depending on requirement, load and task, e.g. PTFE,other plastics, surface-modified plastics, metals and metal alloys,layer systems based on carbon as well as all other suitable materialsand material mixtures.

To improve characteristics decisively with respect to the use of snowsliding elements, some advantageous improvements, according toinvention, will be described now with respect to the surfaces of thesliding element.

“Surfaces of the sliding element” includes all areas visible on theoutsides and/or which might be exposed to frictional resistance orcontaminating surroundings.

Furthermore, the invention includes surface modifications in the bindingarea, on the ski boot, as well as on the clothing and also on allaccessories which can be worn on the body.

To improve a commodity article, you have the possibility to modifydifferent parts of it. If we regard the ski, for example, the primaryimprovement that becomes obvious is sole modification. However, there isa possibility very well, too, to optimize the other surfaces as well.

The optimization of the sliding element's sole, according to invention,mainly reduces frictional resistance as well as turbulence tendencies inthe hydrodynamic area.

As far as the remaining surfaces of the sliding element are concerned,micro-structuring of the surfaces, according to invention, result in thefact to achieve frictional reduction as well as a reduction ofturbulence tendencies, mainly in the aerodynamic range.

The improvement means to equip the ski sole with a much finer structure,however, also mainly lengthwise, in contrary to the presently usedstructuring.

A comparable lengthwise structuring (applied in moving direction),offers itself for the whole surface of the sliding element which isexposed to air resistance as well as for the binding and the ski bootand all clothing of the user.

The following statements relate to a snow sliding board, and here inparticular the ski, acting for all other possible applications ofmicro-structuring to sliding elements, according to invention.

These micro-structures, according to invention, are employed to reducefrictional resistance and also to reduce turbulence tendencies and flowseparation behavior of fluid media, as well as to support thehydrophobic characteristics of the respective surface material.

Also, all surfaces, according to invention, to prevent soiling andicing-up, as well as—if required—to reduce frictional resistance aredescribed based on the example of a snow sliding element, in particulara ski, as well as the elements, devices and equipment parts required forits use.

Based on the example of application of this kind of surface structuringto sliding elements, in particular snow sliding elements, it becomesobvious that this structuring can be dimensioned on the respectivesurfaces ideally in such a way that the structuring can be adapted e.g.on the surface of the sole, as well as in the edge area and—ifrequired—also on the sides of the ski, to the friction-producing mediumto be expected (snow, ice) which has at least been partly melted tobecome due to the melting processes described above, as a result offriction and pressure.

And also the remaining surfaces of the ski can be adapted to a differentfriction-producing medium to be expected, i.e. air. It is also useful toimprove all surfaces of devices and bodies, attached to the slidingelement, as well as all surfaces of equipment parts clothing, etc.,utilized for the use of sliding element, also to the effect that they,too, should be equipped with the respective friction-reducing surfacestructures, if required also combined with other, e.g. self-cleaningsurface structures, in the respective areas.

Of course, this concerns in particular the devices attached to the ski,such as ski binding, ski brake, elevation plates, etc., furthermore,this also concerns in particular the surfaces of the ski boot.

Compared to all other surface structures as well as compared toabsolutely smooth surfaces, the groove-shaped surface structures showthe advantage of having a clearly positive effect on all flows aroundbodies, i.e. both by turbulence-influencing effects and also possibly byretardation of separation compared to smooth surfaces, for example.

Both effects take influence on the sliding behavior of the body (e.g. inthe form of a sliding element), being circulated by fluids, in apositive way, especially during sliding within a uniform fluid (air),e.g. during ski jumping.

A general improvement of the frictional resistance is achieved by meansof a lengthwise oriented rib structure on all surfaces of the slidingelement, and the fineness of the structures can be made subject to therespective flow-around fluid medium.

By purposive structure refining and/or adaptation of the structure tocertain areas of the sliding element, where flow separation behavior ismost likely to be expected, this behavior of the sliding element can bereduced, like e.g. in the rear binding area and also at the tip of thesliding element, etc.

It is useful on those areas, to apply particularly many rib structureswith the respective recesses, adapted to the rib structures (withrespect to dimension and function), in order to influence the respectiveflow-around medium to the effect that flow separation is retarded asmuch as possible.

Due to application and development, according to invention, of thegrooves, mainly lengthwise oriented with respect to the body, it can beassumed that the grooves and the upper edges of the ribs of thestructuring will hamper the development of cross flows within theviscous underlayer thus achieving turbulence reduction in the boundarylayer. This, in turn, entails that there is less pulse exchange andconsequently a generally lower turbulent shearing strain is to beexpected. It also can be assumed that in case of slight angular approachflow against the ribs they will influence the flow close to the body insuch a manner that this flow close to the body will develop more into adirection parallel to the body. This characteristic can be used to applythe rib structures on the sliding element in such a way and direction asto ensure that they can be used at least partially to affect the flowdirection thus improving and facilitating the directing of the slidingelement (during sliding and during turning, as a result of respectivestructuring applied to the edge area of the steel edges) (this alsoapplies to sliding elements for ski jumping).

Ideally, the primary structure of the sole should possess groove-typestructures applied in moving direction, thus achieving a density ofapprox. 10-25 e.g. trapezoid, U-shaped, V-shaped, L-shaped grooves permm (FIG. 1).

This provides several benefits, on one hand a very good sliding abilityis to be expected based on the reduced static frictional forces due tothis kind of structuring, on the other hand the surface remains verystable in spite of relatively many ribs, due to the large number ofprotrusions (can be compared to the nail bed of a fakir). If required,this rib structure can be completed by a scale structure in addition,this is particularly useful for cross-country applications or touring.

One can proceed on the assumption that these surfaces can be made evenmore slidable, if the suitable lubricant is applied to the surface, suchas e.g. wax or a similar product. Presently, the majority of alpine skisare equipped with a lengthwise structured sliding surface. However, thepresently used structuring consists of a much more coarse grid (FIG. 8a).

Presently, there are approx. 2-3 protrusions and/or indentations per mm.

Furthermore, the raised areas are much wider than the indentations onthe presently used linings. In addition, the presently used slidingsurfaces are absolutely uniform, equipped with always the same types ofstructuring.

In contrary to that, certain e.g. complementary structuring can beapplied to certain zones of the ski, according to invention, e.g.structures aligned diagonally to the moving direction, which are able todrain water towards the outside. Additionally, refined or coarsenedstructuring on certain areas of the sliding element, can ensure improvedmoving characteristics.

It is possible to use both, standardized always identical structureswith identical distances between the ribs, and, alternatively, optimizedstructures which can be adapted to the respective requirement in anoptimum way (speed giant slalom, maneuverability slalom, as well asdifferent snow or weather conditions).

Finer or coarser rib arrangements, e.g. in certain zones of the slidingelement's sole cause modified frictional forces. Moreover, by means ofnumber and structure of the protrusions, the bearing area of the slidingelement on the ground (snow) can be modified.

This provides the possibility to increase the pressure per cm² due to asmaller bearing area and thus influence can be taken onregelation/formation of microscopically small droplets and an increasedor decreased water film can be generated which, in its turn, modifiessliding friction on the ground.

Edges are produced as one-piece edges or segmented edges in differenthardnesses of steel. Hard steels are more resistant, however, moredifficult to process.

Heat-treated steels, used as edge material, are a relatively newdevelopment, they maintain their sharpness longer than regular material,however, their manual tuning is more difficult.

The edge grip can be improved by furnishing the edges with amicro-structure, according to invention, which can e.g. run in movingdirection, oblique or perpendicular to the moving direction, and thisway the desired effect can be achieved (reduction of frictionalresistance during moving or better grip when setting the sliding elementon edge for braking).

In addition to the improvements, according to invention, in the form ofsuitable micro-structuring, both the shape and the material of a slidingelements structure can be used, according to the developments of thepresent invention, to provide the sliding element's surface, accordingto invention, with higher elasticity.

Furthermore, it is possible to apply the developments of themicro-structures, according to invention, to other materials whichreplace the former materials of sliding elements' surfaces as a whole orin part, in order to achieve the desired elasticity.

If not only the sliding element itself accumulates tension due to itsdesign and this tension can be converted into sliding dynamics, but thesliding element's lining, too, can convert tension into dynamics, thismeans a further improvement in addition to the improvement due to themicro-structured surface possessing the advantages mentioned above.

Elasticity can be achieved by selecting the material to the effect thatthe protrusions (ribs) are developed in a rigid and relatively edgedway, to prevent cross flows as much as possible. The material of theprotrusions, however, may very well be movable (e.g. scale-shaped madeof rigid materials), the material selected for below the protrusions,however, can alternatively be elastic.

EXAMPLE 2

The second embodiment example shows, e.g. surfaces of objects such asbuildings, constructions and comparable bodies, which can be both,exposed to mainly fluid frictional forces from different flow directionsand of different materials, and possess surfaces which are to fulfilself-cleaning functions. An advantageous formation of the inventiveobject provides, for example, to furnish surfaces of objects which canbe exposed to fluid or generally moving media, with surfaces, accordingto invention.

These surfaces and also the objects surrounded by them, provide enormousadvantages, e.g. with respect to buildings or other bodies, over othersurfaces.

A bridge over a river may serve as a specific example in this case.

An embodiment of the surface, according to invention, can be representedby a body consisting of different materials, exposed to different fluidmedia, in addition.

Furthermore, the intention is both, to prevent soiling as much aspossible and to keep the whole material consumption as low as possibleand to optimize the stability of the building.

All these requirements can be supported with the surface, according toinvention.

Thus, surfaces located under water (supporting elements, etc.) can bestructured with a formation of the surface, according to invention, tothe effect that friction-reducing surfaces are applied which are adaptedto the fluid medium water, applied mainly in flow direction which canreduce flow friction of the impacting and flow-around water masses andpossibly they can also be used in a way affecting channelling (ifrequired, of course also combined with other structures and surfaces).

This way, both a stabilizing effect can be achieved with respect to thecomplete system “bridge” due to the reduction of the water pressure,thus promoting stability and safety, and also the total materialconsumption can be reduced since the same static stability can beachieved using less material due to the decreased water pressure.

By application of the surface, according to invention, it is alsopossible to apply a friction-reducing surface to all desired surfaces ofconstruction parts of the bridge area located above the water; combinedwith surface structures with self-cleaning characteristics which ensurein relevant sections that soiling, icing-up, etc., can be cleaned veryeffectively and in particular by wind and water.

The same applied, of course, for all areas located under water.

Thanks to the application of the surfaces, according to invention, it isalso possible to achieve an improvement of the characteristics underwater, like, e.g. reduction of moss-coverage and fouling due to algae,and of soiling in general.

All types of scaffolds, masts and supporting elements represent also anexample for a group of objects which can be constructed the surfaces,according to invention.

For example, scaffolds structured with the surfaces, according toinvention, get much less dirty which should be of great interest in thebuilding trade. On the other hand, the scaffolds' function is improvedto the effect that less frictional forces occur (e.g. due to wind loadstressing, rain showers, thunderstorms) resulting in better stability.

And in addition, occurring deposit, in particular dirt, snow, ice, etc.,is considerably reduced on these surfaces by means of the surfaces'self-cleaning characteristics, compared to presently used surfaces inthis sector.

These self-cleaning characteristics provide diverse benefits which maynot only result in saving of cleaning efforts and aestheticdevelopments, but which can also show safety-relevant aspect.

Thus, respective surfaces can dry faster, ice-up less and accumulateless dirt in general, if equipped with the respective formations of thesurface, according to invention, which otherwise might possibly causeaccidents, hazards and malfunctions.

EXAMPLE 3

Different surface structuring can also prove to be advantageous formoved or moving objects, e.g. vehicles (water, land, air).

Frictional reduction with the fluid medium water is for exampledesirable for water vehicles, but frictional reduction with thesurrounding air is also of interest. The structuring can differ subjectto the respective fluid.

It can also be of interest to apply different alignments of thestructures to a surface (ship's hull) since not only the movingdirection itself should be considered, but also the flow directionoccurring on individual areas of the body as a result of the shape ofthe moving body; and consequently different types of structuring can becombined accordingly and thus prove to be beneficial.

The self-cleaning characteristics of the surfaces, according toinvention, are relevant in all areas, anyway.

However, many surfaces should also be equipped with self-cleaningstructures to be able to remove adhering particles quickly and, ifpossible, without residue; in particular for safety-relevant, moreuser-friendly, work-facilitating, etc. functions.

Obviously, friction-reducing characteristics are useful and important,above all for quickly moved or moving or flown-around areas and objects,e.g. for energy saving, but also to increase performance, as well as—ifrequired—for optical and decorative purposes.

The surface, according to invention, can also be applied to allsuper-structures and complementing bodies, e.g. on sails, masts, wheels,etc.

This, above all, also applies to purposes and applications where maximumperformance is called for, like e.g. with respect to the optimizedapplication of devices and objects used in competition.

But these structures, according to invention, are also beneficial forall other surfaces.

An example can be given based on a bicycle.

According to this example, the surfaces of every element of the bicycleare improved by means of variations of the surface structures, accordingto invention.

Consequently, every surface of every part of the bicycle, exposed tofrictional resistance by air, can be equipped with the respectivestructures, if required also in different combinations, as well as incombinations self-cleaning surfaces to prevent soiling and deposit whichmight impair e.g. the functioning in general and also functioning of thefriction-reducing structures.

But there are structures, of course, too which can be very relevant forthe self-cleaning surfaces, like for example parts of the device whichmight get in contact with the user, or also parts which might beimpaired in their function as a result of soiling.

A main element of this kind can be the saddle, for example.

Here it can be achieved that the saddle will neither get dirty thanks tothe appropriate application of the structures' self-cleaning developmentof the surface, according to invention, nor unnecessary turbulences arebeing generated as a result of suitable combination withfriction-reducing surface developments, e.g. on the areas not occupiedby the person riding the bicycle (bottom side, rims, etc.).

Furthermore, combinations of two or more structures can ensure that theremaining saddle areas which are mainly self-cleaning, can be equippedwith additional abilities.

It is possible to achieve a friction-reducing effect of the top side aswell, by suitable combination of surfaces which is especially importantfor riding in upright standing position. But these surfaces provide maymore advantages, such as, among other advantages, better evaporation ofsweat. The sweat can evaporate very easily due to the respectivestructures and/or drain off as well in a directed way.

Comparable applications apply to the area of the handlebar, etc., aswell to all surfaces of object and other substrates on or at thedescribed objects.

Comparable facts apply to all other surfaces of objects, e.g. sportsdevices, implements and leisure devices and objects which can be moved,which move themselves or which can be surrounded by moving materials,such as inliners, ice-skates, sledges, skeleton, bobsled, kickboards,surfboards, boats, kayaks, canoes, sailing and motor ships, kite-boards,parachutes, hang-gliders, sky-diver equipment, etc.

EXAMPLE 4

A further application sector of the surfaces, according to invention,are surfaces in fields, too, where hygienic improvements are to be aimedat besides new and improved application possibilities, like e.g. in themedical sector.

This is especially important for all surfaces which might be soiledor—in particular—contaminated, since suitable surface structures,according to invention, even prevent adhering of germs and otherpathogenic agents or make it at least more difficult; and, above all,they facilitate and speed up cleaning. Moreover, other problems can besolved by the surfaces, according to invention, e.g. the problem offriction with matters should not be underestimated. Friction-reducingcharacteristics are advantageous with respect to all surfaces whichmight get in contact in particular with fluid materials, especially whenthese characteristics can be combined with direction-affectingcharacteristics with regard to the respective flow-around media.

A corresponding application example is given, as follows, based on acatheter.

Usually, a catheter is a tubular element which is e.g. inserted in abody. In the medical sector it is often used s well, to transport any,mainly fluid media.

The following surface combinations, according to invention, can beapplied to this special case with respect to the surfaces of an object,to achieve the advantages described below.

It is absolutely possible that a relatively viscous product is to betransported inside of a cannula, whereas the outside of the cannulamainly gets in contact with endogenous materials and liquids.

Both, the inside of the object and also the outside can be furnishedwith the surface, according to invention.

Furthermore, it is the purpose to prevent or at least minimize soilingand also contamination by foreign substances and especially bypathogenic germs. Therefore it is important here, to complement or tocombine the friction-reducing surfaces with self-cleaning surfaces.

This results in many advantages. The objects can transport materialsmore easily, they can be emptied better and get less dirty.

Furthermore, these objects can be inserted easier into a body andremoved again since adhering of materials on the outside, too, can beprevented and/or reduced.

The hygienic characteristics can also be improved.

Also, longer dwelling within a body will cause less problems, e.g. inthe special case of a catheter in the field of bypasses, which mustcontinuously transport fluid media (blood), under the condition thatthere should be no problems in terms of fluctuating flowing speeds, newdeposit on inner walls, pathogenic germs, rejection reactions, etc.

All these characteristics and abilities can be applied to all surfacesof medical objects in suitable combinations.

Of course, these can also be complemented by any other surfaces andcharacteristics which can be advantageous for the respectiveapplications.

A further application example is represented by a surgical instrument,e.g. for minimal-invasive use, like e.g. used for liposuction. Here,too, the use of the surface, according to invention, will result inimproved characteristics. A friction-reducing surface shows advantages,both in the inside area and also outside.

The materials to be sucked away can be sucked faster, easier and moreeffectively. The outside surface of the device, however, can be movedinside the body back and forth along the tissue with less effortrequired, and, above all, in a much gentler way with respect to thepatient.

In this field it is the hygienic aspect of self-cleaning surfaces whichof course is of great importance.

In addition to the mentioned medical surfaces, the surfaces, accordingto invention, can also relate to other surfaces of objects also used formedical purposes, which are not very obvious to be included in thiscategory.

In this special application example, all surfaces of objects areconcerned which can be absorbed by a body (living being). A prominentapplication example in this case is represented by all objects which canbe taken orally, in particular medication in the form of capsules,tablets, pills, etc.

Here, too, the surface, according to invention, opens up newpossibilities.

For example, all formations of capsules, tables, pills, suppositories,etc., can be developed in the surface combinations, according toinvention. Depending on application, different combinations may berequired to achieve optimum results.

All these applications and the advantages resulting thereof can, ofcourse, be applied to and used for all surfaces. Application of thesurfaces, according to invention, in any implementations can also betransferred to all other objects which are moved in a medium, moved in amoving medium or, also, which are flown-around by a medium.

In addition, all surfaces, according to invention, too, which are movedon a moving or non-moving medium.

In addition, the surfaces, according to invention, can, of course, alsotake over additional tasks. Thy can, e.g., be aimed at achieving certainother effects, and, of course, they can consist of any materials and canbe combined with all other surfaces.

It is also possible, for example, to produce protrusions of individualstructures or of all structures out of medically effective or otherwiseeffective materials (depending on application or task), which can takeover certain tasks in addition to the medicine or complementary to themedicine in the inside of the capsule.

Thus it is for example possible that the surfaces, according toinvention, can consist of structures dissolving as a whole or to someextent. These structures can take over certain tasks, such as e.g. tofacilitate sliding by generation of gel, mucin, or foam; but they canalso take over medical/pharmaceutical tasks by means of released activesubstances.

EXAMPLE 5

All kinds of containers and tubes which can get in contact with movablemedia as well as other media to some extent, can also be structured withthe surface, according to invention, in suitable combinations.

A useful physical form of the inventive object can show the followingcharacteristics with respect to containers.

Many exemplary containers are intended to hold materials and—in mostcases—to release them again.

If any container is equipped with a type of formation of the surface,according to invention, it can be achieved that the container can beeasier and faster filled and emptied, cleaned, kept clean in generaland, furthermore, e.g. emptying and filling can be carried out in a morecontrolled manner.

Taking the example of a garbage can, it is possible to develop e.g. thebottom area mainly in self-cleaning manner, the inner wall elements,however, can alternatively be equipped with friction-reducing surfaces.And the upper edge area (filling and discharge area) can be equippedagain with self-cleaning surface characteristics, and the outsides canbe equipped, e.g., with a combination of friction-reducing and possiblyself-cleaning surfaces, too.

This embodiment provides many advantages.

The self-cleaning bottom area can prevent dirt or lager objects fromadhering. The container can be emptied completely and can be easilycleaned, in particular by water.

Furthermore, above all, contaminating materials such as fungi,pathogenic agents and other dangerous materials are prevented fromadhering to the object's bottom for a longer time and multiplying there.

The wall area, mainly equipped with the friction-reducing surface isintended to make emptying of the containing material possible, fast andcompletely, supported by the self-cleaning bottom surface.

The upper opening area, however, should not get too dirty andconsequently it can be equipped with self-cleaning surfacecharacteristics.

This way nothing will stick to it and/or sticking materials can beremoved very easily.

The object's outer area, however, also should not get dirty, sincegarbage cans are outside very often and for a very long time, and theyare exposed to many different materials, such as dirt, snow, ice, etc.Furthermore, it is advantageous if equipped with a friction-reducingsurface in a complementary way, which, among other factors, shows thebenefit that the container is less prone to be knocked over by wind orsqualls. Further application examples are all kinds of containers whichare to be emptied in such a way as well, as to leave as little residuewithin the container as possible, like e.g. food containers which willbe recycled.

One example is represented by yoghurt cups which always should be rinsedby water to prevent mildew, etc. as well as olfactory nuisance. Theapplication, according to invention, is advantageous in this case, too.

In a further type of formation of an object which e.g. can be filled andemptied, further advantages can be achieved in application by adaptinge.g. the surfaces, according to invention, to the respective use and bycomplementing them by further characteristics.

By application of the surfaces, according to invention, it is e.g.possible to optimize them to the effect that e.g. the emptying speed ofan object can be increased or turbulences can be reduced within thematerial to be discharged. Artificial mechanisms can be employed toincrease emptying speeds beyond the friction-reducing abilities of thesurfaces, according to invention, such as pumps, etc., but, of course,natural forces can be employed as well, such as gravity, pressures, etc.or also the Coriolis force.

The Coriolis force can be used to the effect that especially duringemptying processes, carried out ideally perpendicular to the earth'ssurface, the Coriolis effect can be used by means of the surfaces,according to invention, to either accelerate emptying or, if required,it can also be employed to produce e.g. increased frictional forcesbetween the material to be discharged and the walls of the container.This can be implemented, e.g. as follows. The friction reducing surfacestructures—since they can also act in a direction-affecting way—can beapplied to the inside of the container in such a manner, for example, asto set the discharging material in a rotating movement. This rotatingmovement can have an accelerating effect on the Coriolis force occurringthere, so that the two processes can complement each other. This resultsin a faster rotation movement of the medium to be discharged which canbe utilized for much faster emptying of the whole medium.

The friction-reducing surface, e.g., in the form of groove and ribstructures, can be employed here to the effect that, for example, themoving direction of the substance to be discharged can be affected bymeans of a screw-shaped, helical arrangement of the structures. Eitherin a way to cause acceleration or in a way to decelerate the flowing androtation speed. This way friction can be increased, so that particlespossibly adhering to the container wall in addition can be repeatedlyremoved and/or thus produced turbulences can be utilized (e.g. gasadmixed).

Moreover, the discharging area of the object can be equipped withself-cleaning surfaces to always keep it free from soiling.

EXAMPLE 6

Tubes in general represent a further important application range, and,especially, in this application example, the narrowings of tubes areconcerned.

An exemplary embodiment of narrowings of tubes is represented by allkinds of nozzles, valves, etc. Here it is the purpose, too, to achieveimproved surfaces of narrowings, inlet and outlet openings, e.g. onnozzles and adjacent surfaces. This example of the surface'sapplication, according to invention, relates to an improvement withregard to the spraying characteristics, and also the tendency of nozzlesto get dirty and sticky, and the surfaces related to that.

In principle, a nozzle is a flow channel which possesses a changingdiameter. Since this concerns a flow channel, a friction-reducingsurface is always a suitable means to achieve optimized flow values.

Furthermore, adhering of disturbing particles or liquids should beprevented as far as possible both to the discharge area and also to thenarrowest area of the nozzle. This is achieved by application of surfacestructures, according to invention. The whole product (nozzle) can beoptimized with respect to its characteristics only by a deliberatelyselected combination of the surface structures, according to invention.All shapes of nozzles as well as all adjacent areas can be structuredaccording to the micro-structuring, according to invention, in order tobe equipped with surface structures as ideal as possible.

A special application example can be represented by an aerosol atomizer,for administration of fluid media (e.g. suspensions).

This object can be equipped with surfaces, according to invention, e.g.as follows:

The inlet area of the nozzle as well as the outlet area of the pressurecontainer can be equipped with friction-reducing surfaces, but also thewhole interior space for atomizing the aerosol, in order to achieveflows as frictionless as possible.

In addition to that, the direct outlet area of the nozzle and also theedge zone of the interior space where materials might deposit, can beequipped with the surface, according to invention, to the effect that noadhesive soiling or deposit will occur and/or these can be easilyremoved. It is also very important to equip the outside which gets intothe mouth during use, with self-cleaning surface structures, accordingto invention, so that germs, pathogenic agents and other depositedmaterials can be easily removed thus achieving improved hygieniccharacteristics.

EXAMPLE 7

A further interesting application of the surface, according toinvention, can be to the effect that e.g. in the field of objects withare prone to soiling, e.g. in the form of instruments and devices, thesurface, according to invention, can be applied to the followinginstrument in following embodiment:

This example relates to razors, in particular wet razors, where usuallysevere soiling occurs during use and also a smoothly sliding surface isdesired. Now the surfaces can be developed e.g. as follows: at leastpart of the surface of the razor head serves to ensure the blade orblades will slide across the skin, mostly at a defined distance, asfrictionless as possible.

A surface producing relatively low friction resistance with thesubstrate is appropriate for these areas, to ensure sliding will be asfrictionless as possible

Furthermore, above all, the spaces in-between multiple blades which getextremely dirty and all other surfaces of the razor which are prone toget soiled are suitable to be developed as self-cleaning surfaceembodiments. By appropriate combination and embodiment of the surface,according to invention, it can furthermore be ensured that the bladesthemselves, if required on top and bottom, are equipped with respectivestructures, causing the soiling materials both, to slide off more easilyto intended directions and also to be removed (these contaminatingmaterials) easier by flowing water.

These application examples of the surfaces, according to invention, canof course be varied in any form and provide the advantage that smoother,easier shaving is made possible, since the friction-reducing surfacesachieve ideal friction-reducing effects in combination with the mediausually used for shaving, such as water, soap, foam, etc.

Likewise, the application of the self-cleaning surfaces, according toinvention, acts in combination with the mentioned media and theadditionally occurring soiling objects (hair, cutaneous scales, etc.),to the effect that all soiling can be cleaned off very easily by water(involved in the process anyway).

By using respective surface structures, according to invention, inparticular in the blade area, hygienic characteristics, too, can beimproved to the effect that inflammation tendencies, caused by germsclinging to blades, can be minimized.

Furthermore, the structures can possess characteristics, for example,reacting in an antiseptic, haemostatic, etc. way. But in addition tothat they can be developed in a way that intended material abrasion isachieved,

e.g. to indicate conditions (object no longer fully functional) or toproduce complementary functions (dissolving protrusions produce e.g.lubricating film, foam, etc. or also antiseptic ingredients), and forrelease and functionalization of functional surfaces or structures,possibly available below the protrusions.

Further application examples are instruments and devices, such as dryrazors, tooth brushes, massage instruments, etc.

EXAMPLE 8

In the jewelry sector, too, the surface, according to invention,provides many advantages.

The surface, for example, can be combined in such a way that e.g. on awrist watch all areas which might get in contact with the skin of theperson wearing the watch can be equipped with friction-reducingsurfaces. All other areas, especially those turned outside and visible,can be equipped with self-cleaning surfaces.

The rib/groove structures e.g. on the bottom of the wrist watch canensure that the contact area with the skin is relatively small, which,among other results, might entail that the person wearing the watch willsweat less, that sweat, possibly occurring nevertheless, can evaporatefaster. And for this reason the materials of the watch might be lessattacked on one hand (acids, fats, etc. of the skin), and also thematerials can maintain their original outward appearance for a longertime.

Furthermore, it might be possible that the occurrence of allergicreactions is less probable.

The self-cleaning surface can also contribute to ensure that the pieceof jewelry can maintain its original outward appearance for a longertime, it is easier to keep in good condition and will get less dirty.

Of course, this example of a combination of the surface, according toinvention, can be varied in any possible way. A second application rangeis represented by body jewelry which is fixed through the body'ssurface.

This includes all kinds of piercings.

Application of the surfaces, according to invention, is very wellsuitable in this range, especially due to hygienic advantages and theadvantages mentioned in the above example.

EXAMPLE 9

The surfaces, according to invention, prove to be advantageous for allsurfaces of objects, too, which can get dirty, in particular, if theseobjects are exposed to different conditions, e.g. outdoors.

The surface, according to invention, provides a decisive advantage, e.g.for furniture pieces etc. which might be outdoors at times.

There is no need to explain the advantages of the self-cleaning surfacesin this application example in more detail. But the friction-reducing,flow direction-affecting surfaces are also very important in thisconnection.

Both the object's stability can be enhanced by means of appropriatecombination of the different surfaces and also a supporting effect forthe self-cleaning surface.

The self-cleaning effect can be supported for all bodies due to thedirection-affecting effect caused by the friction-reducing surface,since when using this structure the fluid which supports theself-cleaning process can be directed in certain directions and thusachieving a very good cleaning effect.

Especially those objects which put up a high resistance to possibleflows are better protected against damage, too, by means of thefriction-reducing surfaces since normally will tilt over or tear up lessoften (parasols, laundry racks, decoration elements, plant tubs, etc.).

EXAMPLE 10

The structures, according to invention, can be applied to all types ofsurfaces.

Some application examples are surfaces belonging to a person's living,working and leisure environment (e.g. furniture, kitchens, bathrooms,etc.).

In all these sectors and all other sectors, self-cleaningcharacteristics are always very advantageous.

However, by suitable combination with other aspects of the surface,according to invention, further advantages are achieved.

It is possible here, too, like with all other surfaces, according toinvention, to develop both friction-reducing and direction-affectingsurfaces in combination with suitable directed structures, which leade.g. liquids well-aimed to the self-cleaning surface.

Beyond that it is also possible that application of the non-directedstructure which is very sensitive to mechanical influence is enabledonly by the presence of a second, larger structure which is mechanicallymore stable which protects the finer surface in suitable applicatione.g. by embedding the finer structure as a whole or to some extent intothe larger structure or that the larger structure projects above thefiner structure in other types of application, as well.

Ref. to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, where the non-directed structure is embeddedin the directed structure, as well as FIGS. 3 c, 3 f, 3 h and 3 j, wheredirected structures are protected against mechanical influence bystructures which are also directed (of larger dimension). In FIG. 2 h to2 m non-directed structures are protected by other non-directedstructures (of lager dimension). Regardless, all variations of thesurface, according to invention, can also be used for decoration anddesign purposes.

EXAMPLE 11

The surfaces, according to invention, are also suitable to be used onshoes, since e.g. for soccer shoes, a surface combination in the manner,according to invention, keeps soiling and thus the weight during wearingas minimal as possible. And, furthermore, the friction-reducing surfaceprovides the advantage that the foot can be moved producing much lessair friction which results in higher shooting□ speeds, e.g. whenshooting a ball.

EXAMPLE 12

In all forming processes/embossing processes, etc. (e.g. toolmaking/thermoforming/ejection molding) the surface, according toinvention, can be developed in all variations on the master molds(forming tools) resulting in products, formed according to invention,which can possess all advantages of the surfaces, according toinvention.

Furthermore, the surface, according to invention, can also facilitatedemolding and ejection of the finished products after the formingprocess, since the adhesion forces are reduced.

EXAMPLE 13

The surfaces, according to invention, are also advantageous fortransport devices which are used for the transport of media or fortransport devices in which media are being transported.

Among other factors, a faster flow speed is achieved by means offriction-reducing structures or less pressure is required to move afluid medium through an object.

Furthermore, foaming fluids (e.g. beer) can be filled in faster byaffecting the type of flow (laminar/turbulent), which can cause lessfoaming of the fluid. Besides that, there is a possibility of bettercleaning and less tendency of germ development by combination withself-cleaning surfaces, in particular on the inlet and outlet area.

EXAMPLE 14

Films in the sense of independently usable surfaces or surfaces to beapplied are also well suited for application of the surfaces, accordingto invention, in all variations and combinations.

Since both, reduction of soiling and the friction-reducing effect of thesurface, according to invention, are actually advantageous for allapplications.

It does not matter if packages are concerned or surfaces in general,since in every case the surface, according to invention, providesadvantages and sometimes even enables completely new applications.

A further application example in this field is represented by protectionfilms which are used to protect against soiling and damages, etc. Forexample materials which have to be pulled off only after an object hasgone through e.g. transport, installation, etc.

By application of the direction-affecting surface with respect to thesurface, according to invention, it can be ensured, in addition to allother advantages, that contaminating or soiling objects can be led offto a certain direction, away from the object to be protected.

This can be implemented in a way, e.g. that a surface, possessingself-cleaning and friction-reducing characteristics, is equipped withstructures to the effect that contaminating material can be led off,both during attempt of cleaning, e.g. by water, and also with the helpof natural processes (gravity, wind, rain, etc.).

Further important application possibilities are covers, films andfabrics.

Example 14a

A further application possibility is represented by cloth-type orfilm-type surfaces, which get in contact with moving media, like e.g.sails of surfing elements.

It is their task to move an object with the help of flowing media. Forthis reason, complementary structures, equipped with the mentionedcharacteristics, are certainly a useful completion, since thecharacteristics can be optimized by those. By using the surfaceformations, according to invention, the air flow can be led alongsurface more smoothly, but it can also be decelerated by suitablearrangement or embodiment, which can be employed to increase thepropulsion.

Surprisingly, a surface structure, according to invention, provides atleast one further very important advantage. Among other advantages, thisrough surface formation, according to invention, especially if equippedwith protrusions, provides the advantage of greatly reducing theadhesive characteristics of smooth surfaces.

The tendency of adhesion can be reduced by implementing appropriatedimensioning and spatial arrangement of the structures, as well as bycompleting them with other surface characteristics, if required. Andalso the possibility of self-cleaning can be enhanced supported bybeading-off liquids.

Among other facts, these characteristics make it possible to facilitatethe problematic lifting off of the sail form the water surface very much(upon every climbing back onto the surfing element), since airinclusions between the surface structures reduce the clinging of thesail onto the water surface. And this way resetting of the sail is verymuch facilitated. Thus the application of the whole sports device can beimproved.

Example 14b

A further possible application are all kinds of surfaces where fluidmedia are led along, e.g. shower curtains.

Here, too, the application of the surface structures, according toinvention, can lead to advantages, both with respect to soiling (mildew,lime, etc.), and also application in general.

Due to the application, according to invention, it can be achieved forvery fine, raised surface formations (if required, hydrophobized), thatwater which meets with the surface will bead off very quickly, thusremoving most contaminating particles.

This can also be achieved in combination with other micro-structures(hydrophobic), which are protected from mechanical damage by a surfacedevelopment, structured according to invention, possessing coarserstructures than the one only aimed at self-cleaning. Moreover,implementation and arrangement of the directed structures, according toinvention, can be developed in such a way that the water applied isdirected purposely and well-aimed to the effect that all surfaces can beoptimally supplied by water.

Beyond that, in contrary to firmly installed shower walls, there alwaysis the problem of the adhesive characteristics of smooth and othersurfaces e.g. extremely hydrophilic and also self-cleaning surfaces.They cause problems during the use of the shower equipment.

The problem is that the shower curtain which is usually movable willapproach the person taking the shower and cling to his/her body as soonas water starts flowing out of the shower and as soon as the body of theperson taking the shower and the curtain are wetted.

This process is extremely annoying. It hampers the person while takingthe shower, contaminates the shower curtain with cleaning agents and theperson possibly with impurities which adhere to the shower curtain(mildew, germs, dirt, etc.).

It can be assumed that this process is caused by the hot, flowing water,the difference in temperatures between the interior shower space and therest of the room, as well as by the hot up current occurring during thisprocess. Furthermore, static charging might also be involved in theprocess. According to invention, the tendency of approaching andclinging is considerably reduced by the fast beading-off of the water aswell as by the air entrapped between the protrusions to minimizeadhesion, and also by the small surface of the shower curtain whichactually touches the skin, and also by the non-existing adhesive effectof a water film, as well as by the non-existing hydrophilic surface.

And also, the approaching and/or clinging can be furthermore reducedsince especially in the bottom area protrusions prevent the directcontact between two surfaces curtain/curtain or curtain/shower tray, andthus soiling and the production of germs can be prevented, moist zonesare avoided.

Example 14c

A further development of this invention can be used for roofs ofconvertibles.

Here, too, the applications, according to invention, represent idealimprovements to optimize the characteristics of the surface.

In this case the structures can be employed to reduce the frictionalresistance with fluid media. By special arrangement, shape anddimensioning of the elements it is furthermore possible to enhance thestability of the surface and to improve aerodynamics.

The tendency of the construction element to get dirty can beconsiderably reduced by suitable arrangement, dimensioning and materialselection.

This special application variation is in particular suitable forconvertible roofs since here a polishable surface is not as absolutelycompelling as for the lacquered sections of the vehicle.

In special application variations, the surface structure, according toinvention, can be developed and applied in such a way that it can alsopurposely affect flows and produce resistance, e.g. to direct air flowsto the effect that the suction pull resulting from the accelerated airstream to the roof top during high speeds is reduced and consequentlyswelling of the roof can be reduced. In this connection other surfacedevelopments can be complementary used to optimize this effect.

EXAMPLE 15

Accelerated bodies (javellins, boomerangs, arrows, projectiles, balls,etc.) or other objects to be found within fluid media or moving objects,are also nothing else but objects with surfaces. However, since in thisconnection very fast motion, in particular through fluid media, plays animportant role for the application, and also avoiding or minimizing thesoiling of the object is advantageous, this product group is very suitedto be equipped with the surfaces, according to invention.

The application of the friction-reducing structure, according toinvention, can affect the flying characteristics of projectiles in avery positive way and thus the hitting accuracy. The projectiles are putinto a flight-stabilizing self-rotation during launching due to gunbarrels. The friction-reducing structuring can be employed longitudinalto the direction of motion and also in any twisted form, alsolongitudinal to the direction of motion, comparable to the helical shapein the launching device.

Furthermore, all surfaces of the possibly required throwing,acceleration or launching devices for the application of the acceleratedbodies can be equipped with the surface, according to invention, sincehere both, the friction-reducing and also the self-cleaning and allother advantages of this surfaces facilitate their use and they can alsoincrease the performance.

Due to the surfaces, according to invention, applied to these objects,deviations caused by wind, side wind, thermal movements of the air,squalls, rain, etc. are less problematic since the object react to thosein a less sensitive way.

EXAMPLE 16

Structures to reduce draft, but also possibilities to improve breathingactivity and exchange of gas and air.

A simple application example of these application possibilities can bedemonstrated based on glasses.

In this case, a formation can be developed in such a way that glasses,e.g. for use during sports activities, e.g. for bicycling, can bedeveloped as follows:

Any parts of the glasses, but also the whole frame which can be designedin a relatively wide way to protect against draft, dust and air-streamduring motion, etc. can be developed in such a way that the surface canbe made of any materials and possessing friction-reducing surfaces, e.g.as rib/groove structure, which can be mainly aligned in the direction oftravel.

This enables reduced air friction with the surrounding media (inparticular air-stream during motion/rain, etc.). Besides that, anysurfaces of the glasses can be moreover equipped with self-cleaningsurfaces. In any case this results in a reduced tendency of soiling. Inaddition to that self-cleaning surfaces can also take over other,important tasks.

If these self-cleaning surfaces are developed e.g. in the form ofburl-type protrusions, they can either be separate or they can bedirectly combined, e.g. with the friction-reducing structures.

A possible type of formation can be developed in a way that theburl-type surface structures can be equipped with openings which enableair exchange between the relatively still, warm, moist air under theglasses and the air outside the glasses, above all, this can be achievedwithout problems occurring with respect to dirt, direct air-streamduring motion, other irritating substances or materials, etc., since thefriction-reducing surface produces kind of a still air cushion betweenthe protrusions and thus problems will not occur regarding air-streamduring motion, etc., but gas and moisture exchange (prevention ofsteaming up of the inner surface of the glasses) can very well beensured.

EXAMPLE 17

In the sector that relates to textiles, clothing and other equipmentelements, e.g. working clothes and leisure wear can be regarded asinteresting application range.

Especially in applications, where severe soiling, dangerous soiling andcontamination occur, but also for unwanted soiling, a self-cleaningsurface is, of course, very suitable. In addition to this afriction-reducing surface can complement the self-cleaning surface,improve it and expand the application range enormously.

It is important for many applications, for example, for work andleisure, to be affected as little as possible by flow-around media.

In many sectors this is even very important and also enhances safety.

Many people are exposed to strong flows of moving, in particular fluidmedia, such as flows of water, flows of air, but also suddenly risingsqualls and other changing flows, often this occurs in combination withown movements or other movements. Some examples are: clothing formotorcyclists, swimming and diving suits, clothing of platform workersand sewermen, as well as protection clothing, in general, against rainand wind, as well as e.g. leisure wear, like for hang glider pilots,winter sports wear, neoprene suits for surfers, clothing to go fishing,in particular river fishing, etc., as well as all suitable equipmentarticles, such as gloves, helmets, boots, etc.

The application of the surfaces, according to invention, can, of course,be employed for all pieces of clothing, textiles and equipment articles.For example also, to prevent friction on the inside of the clothing,above all friction with the surface of the body, to prevent skinirritation.

It is also possible to improve the air and moisture transport betweenclothing and skin with these surface developments, but they are suitableas well for aesthetic and design purposes.

EXAMPLE 18

A further application range is represented by filters, e.g. filterpapers.

Simple coffee filter papers can be used here as a special embodimentexample, in combination with the filter holding device, required fortheir use.

Here, the surface, according to invention, is very well suited forseveral reasons, since the usual filtering process can be optimized inseveral respects by appropriate use of the surface, according toinvention, in the respective embodiment. Normally, filter papers consistof water-permeable fibrous material, furnished with pores. Duringscalding, the ground coffee particles are being floated and thewater-soluble, flavor-containing particles are to be washed out (finalproduct coffee). Some of the disadvantages of these filter papers are,among others, that part of the scalded ground coffee will deposit on thewalls of the filter and stay there. This entails that both, floatedmaterial, to some extent completely unwashed (dry ground coffee), stayson the upper edge zones, as well as ground coffee which was partiallywashed out. The reasons for this behavior are based on physical facts(density, etc.) and they can also be attributed to the topology of thefilter.

Now, these problems can be eliminated by using the surface, according toinvention, and also there are other positive characteristics. A possibleversion of a coffee filter paper in this respect can be developed asfollows:

The inside of the filter paper, in particular, can be equipped with acombination of the formations of the surface, according to invention, toreduce and/or prevent adhering of ground coffee, and also to ensuretransport of the coffee in filtering direction as frictionless and ascontinuously as possible.

This way the ground coffee can be completely washed out since it willalways slide down to the bottom of the filter and it is also preventedthat the ground coffee can form a pore-closing clinging mass at the baseof the filter, thus ensuring unhampered draining of the finished coffeein an unlimited way.

Moreover, the finished coffee is directed towards the drainingpossibility in a well-aimed way, supported by the surface, according toinvention, and also draining of the end product can be affected in awell-aimed way in combination with a surface of the filter paper holdingdevice, also developed according to invention.

By structuring the outside area of the filter and also the inside of thefilter holding device, according to invention, it can be additionallyachieved that due to the entrapped air, there is no clinging of thefilter to the filter holding element.

EXAMPLE 19

It is especially advantageous to apply the surface, according toinvention, to surfaces of objects showing perceptible reactions ifsubject to the influence of moving media.

The advantages which can be achieved can be demonstrated clearly basedon musical instruments, and here wind instruments. With windinstruments, an air flow produced by a person is induced through atube-type body, mostly in combination with resonance-producing bodyformations finally causing perceptible resonance (music).

The air current, among other things, mixed with particles (saliva),moisture and germs, produces vibrations in certain areas of the objectand is discharged via an opening.

By using an advantageous implementation of the surface, according toinvention, like e.g. an implementation causing an accelerating orreducing effect on the air flow, the mode of operation of the instrumentthus can be affected. Function, hygiene and maintenance can befacilitated by combination with self-cleaning surfaces, in particular inthe area of the mouthpiece as well as in such areas used for collectionand discharge of the above mentioned particles and materials admixed tothe breath air.

The surface, according to invention, can also be applied to all othersurfaces of such an object. Here too, advantages can be achieved withrespect to maintenance, function as well as optical developments.

EXAMPLE 20

A further application range of the surface, according to invention, canbe represented by such objects where the surfaces, among other tasks,are used for affecting the direction of, control and transport ofexisting and developing media, in particular fluid media.

A suitable application example is represented by the surfaces ofsolariums which are well suited for self-cleaning surfaces based on theway they are used. Many advantages can be achieved by employing theseself-cleaning characteristics compared to the devices which arepresently being used, however, evident advantages are achieved only bymeans of the combination, according to invention, with additionalsurface characteristics.

This can be implemented as follows:

In a special formation of the application of the surface, according toinvention, the bearing area, in particular, can be developedaccordingly, besides other surfaces of the object.

The mainly transparent bearing area can be developed as applicationformation of the surface, according to invention, in the following way.

A large number of advantages can be achieved by an advantageouscombination of the surface characteristics, according to invention. Itis possible to purposely drain developing fluid media (sweat) away fromthe body by appropriate structures in the form on protrusions andrecesses and also to subsequently discharge into certain areas availablefor that purpose.

By combination with self-cleaning surfaces it is furthermore possible toquickly and easily clean all the surfaces, deposited by particles, germsand other media. Likewise all other areas and surfaces, but inparticular those, which can be deposited by germs or other undesiredmaterials.

It is, for example, possible to accelerate or affect the discharge ofthe undesired materials by purposely supporting or affecting the flowcharacteristics.

It is also possible, to combine applications, mechanisms, etc.,supporting the self-cleaning in any way with the application of thesurface, according to invention.

In addition to that, the surface structures, according to invention, canalso be employed to direct electromagnetic waves (e.g. electromagneticradiation in the form of light) in a well-aimed way, e.g. by usingtransparent surfaces with transparent protrusions, to achieve desiredeffects (e.g. uniform tan by uniform scattering of the respectiveultraviolet light).

This embodiment variant can of course also be applied to anyapplications.

EXAMPLE 21

All surfaces of devices used for production of flows or for conversionof flows into other forms of motion or energy, such as propellers,rotors, fans, aerofoils and marine wings, air and marine screws, air andmarine propellers and air and marine blades, are also suited to beimproved by the surface formations, according to invention. By using thesurfaces, according to invention, friction of the moving device with thesurrounding media can be reduced resulting in lower energy consumptionor higher energy gain, furthermore it is possible to protect thedevice's surface at the same time against deposit and soiling.

EXAMPLE 22

All kinds of sports and leisure devices as well as working devices inthe form of striking devices and striking elements, which are to bemoved through one medium or several media or which are to beaccelerated, such as striking elements and striking devices, inparticular bats and clubs to move and/or accelerate bodies such asballs, shots, pucks, etc.

A golf club can be regarded as a special example, which can be improvedby means of the surfaces, according to invention, to the effect that anysurfaces, such as handle, shaft, head, etc., possess bettercharacteristics due to reduced friction with the surrounding media. Thiscan mean, e.g., faster striking movements due to reduced air friction,and also increased striking force, less energy effort for the driveitself, and also less sensitivity against wind and thus more precisedrives.

Less soiling and easier cleaning are ensured due to the surfaces,according to invention.

Due to the application of suitable structures which are mainly appliedacross the force effect, it is furthermore possible to ensure a safegrip and also to achieve a moisture-discharging effect during moist orwet conditions (rain, atmospheric humidity, water impairments, sweat,etc.).

Moreover, the club head can be improved by means of the surfacedevelopments, according to invention, at the area where the ball is tobe hit.

EXAMPLE 23

All kinds of moving transport elements and containers and/or elementsand containers flown-around by moving materials, such as e.g. skicarriers, ski boxes, bicycle carriers, load carriers, etc.

Especially transport containers, like e.g. ski boxes, can beconsiderably improved by the surfaces, according to invention. In thisdevice, both the box itself and also the respective carriers can beimproved in a multitude of ways. By application of the directed,friction-reducing surface, structured in accordance with the surroundingmedium (air), it is, for example, possible to achieve reduced fuelconsumption as a result of improved air drag coefficient, if the wholesurface (top and bottom side) of the box is structured in that way.

By applying a comparable structure, e.g. only to the bottom side, ahigher descending force can be produced due to the acceleration of theair under the box, to achieve a better motion stability. In a furtherexample, however, the upper side can structured in direction of motion,the lower side, as a whole or to some extent, can be structured acrossthe direction of motion, to achieve better side wind characteristics.

This way two surface structures, structured the same way but applied indifferent directions, can be applied to two different surfaces of adevice, developed for the same medium, to fulfil different tasks.

Furthermore, better self-cleaning and/or less tendency of soiling can beensured by a non-directed structure on the device. This structure,however, works in this application in the same medium (air), like thedirected structures, but fulfilment of its main task will only beensured by a second medium (liquid). On top of that, this surface,according to invention, features less sound caused by air-stream duringmotion as well as better motion characteristics of the vehicle with thedevice. This applies in particular, if suitable materials are used forthe production of the structures.

EXAMPLE 24

All kinds of moved or accelerated elements, such as balls, e.g. golf,badminton, volleyball, handball, etc.

EXAMPLE 25

All kinds of rudders, paddles, sticks, etc., like e.g. ski poles,possessing improved characteristics due to the surfaces, according toinvention.

Some developments of the surface, according to invention, are describedhereinafter.

The invention describes surfaces, possessing structuring, which can beapplied permanently or in a removable way. All surfaces, as well as allstructures, can consist of suitable materials as well as materialcombinations, to be adapted to the respective applications and thesurrounding media and be most suitable for these.

The form of the protrusions and recesses of the directed structures canshow any formations, but in particular it is to be applied in V-shape,U-shape, L-shape and triangular shape. Furthermore, the surfacedevelopments, according to invention, can be applied together withother, already existing structures or structures applied later on.

All directed structures can consist of sharp-edged, as well as notsharp-edged, as well as movable elements or elements movable to someextent.

The individual elements of the structures, according to invention, canbe of any size within the specified size range. They can vary withrespect to height and width of the protrusions and/or recesses.

Furthermore, the lengthwise directed protrusions can be developed inscale shape. These protrusions can be rigid, movable, as well as alsoshiftable and elastic.

Besides that the directed structures can be developed in wave shapeand/or they can be constructed to the effect that (elastic) they canmove in a wave-shape or S-shape way. Moreover, the protrusions can alsobe aligned in a non-parallel way, in a way approaching each other,merging into each other, diverging from each other, as well asdiminishing and disappearing, they also can be constructed wave-shapedin an ascending or descending way.

Non-direction controlled structures, mainly in the form of burl-shapedprotrusions can also be made of all suitable materials, and they can beproduced or applied with all suitable production methods.

Furthermore they can be developed in most different embodiments and theycan also be combined with any structures.

Both structures can be both, applied to one and the same surfacearranged besides each other in a non-mixed combination arrangement, andalso they can be applied on the same surface in the form of acombination of both structures, where e.g. the protrusions of thelengthwise directed larger structures can be covered by smaller elementsof the non-direction controlled structure form as a whole or to someextent. Also a comparable combination of non-direction controlledstructures between the directed protrusions or at the sides of theprotrusions.

The surfaces, according to invention, can also be applied in the form offilms, fabrics, coatings and coats of lacquer to the respectivesubstrate.

All surfaces can be structured with the structural shape, size, bestsuitable for the respective medium in any combinations.

All surfaces described, equipped with combinations of individual orseveral structures, can be completed with, replaced by or combined withother materials, structures or elements which possess comparablecharacteristics.

In doing so, boundary layer-affecting, e.g. friction-reducing as well asself-cleaning characteristics, effects, structures, etc., can be achieveor enabled with any other surface structures, materials, applications,procedures, methods, etc., producing comparable characteristics.

Examples are phobizing substances and materials, but also e.g. extremelyhydrophilic coatings (no-drop coatings), suitable for the respectivefluid media, as well as surface coatings with any boundarylayer-affecting or self-cleaning materials, structures, etc., and/ormaterials, structures, etc. supporting the self-cleaning.

Furthermore, a boundary layer-affecting, friction-reducing effect canalso be achieved, e.g. by gas or liquids beading out, as well as byapplying adhesive materials or materials which are adhesive to someextent (oils, mucous substances, etc.), which can have a boundarylayer-affecting effect due to their characteristics.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Further details of the invention are described in drawings, based onschematic embodiment examples which are not according to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a cross section, not according to scale, through a possibleembodiment of an element of the surface, according to invention, in theform of a mainly directed, friction-reducing surface.

The rib-shaped protrusions are marked by h, the distance of thetrapezoid recesses between the ribs by s and the angle, the ribs formwith the base area is marked by α.

FIG. 2 a-2 f show top views, not according to scale, on possibleembodiments of a further element of the surface, according to invention,in form of mainly non-directed, burl-shaped, self-cleaning surfacedevelopments.

FIG. 2 a-2 d show relatively uniform surfaces with different dimensionsof the protrusions, equipped with uniform but non-directeddistributions.

FIG. 2 e shows a top view on a development of a surface variation,according to invention, consisting of at least two differentnon-directed types of protrusions. This is only one embodiment examplewhich possibly consists of two different materials, the same materialswhich are to fulfil identical (self-cleaning) tasks or which can takeover different tasks.

FIG. 2 f also shows a top view on a development of a surface variation,according to invention, consisting of at least two differentnon-directed types of protrusions. However, this is only one embodimentexample which possibly consists of two different materials, the samematerials which are to fulfil identical (self-cleaning) tasks or whichcan take over different tasks. In this case, however, the smallerprotrusions are not everywhere, moreover, they are only appliedin-between the larger protrusions.

FIG. 2 g-2 m also show variants of non-directed, mainly self-cleaningsurfaces, however, in cross-sectional drawings which only represent somedifferent developments of this surface variant, consisting ofprotrusions and recesses.

FIG. 2 g shows a surface variant, not according to scale, consisting ofburl-type protrusions of the same size, with the same distancesin-between the protrusions.

FIG. 2 h shows a surface variant, also not according to scale,consisting of two burl-type protrusions of differing heights, withsimilar distances in-between, however, with differently arrangedprotrusions.

FIG. 2 i-2 l show further surface variants, also not according to scale,consisting of burl-type protrusions, of at least two different heights,with similar or different distances in-between, as well as differentlyshaped and differently arranged protrusions.

FIG. 2 m shows a surface variant, also not according to scale,comparable with top view FIG. 2 g, consisting of at least two differentburl-type protrusions, with similar or different distances in-between,as well as differently shaped and differently arranged protrusions,where it is possible here, too, that smaller protrusions can sit onlarger protrusions, at least to some extent.

FIG. 3 a-3 n all show cross-sectional drawings of possibleimplementations of mainly directed, boundary layer-affecting surfacestructures, in different implementations, all materials and shapes canbe employed in all combinations. They show different implementations,not according to scale, of mainly lengthwise directed rib/groovemicro-structures.

FIG. 3 a shows trapezoid structures, consisting of triangularprotrusions, where recesses of trapezoid shape result from certaindistances between the protrusions.

FIG. 3 b shows comparable triangular protrusion structures, however,they are arranged together in such a way that the recesses in-betweenonly show triangular structures.

FIG. 3 c also shows triangular protrusions, however, of different sizesand arrangement, as well as located at different areas of the surface.This way the smaller structures can be both, micro-structures on theupper side of recesses of other, coarser rib micro-structures, and alsorib structures on the upper side of recesses, forming coarser structureson the surface of an element.

FIG. 3 d shows comparable lengthwise directed micro-structures, as shownin FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, however, in the form of finer, steeper triangularstructures.

FIG. 3 e-3 h also show lengthwise directed triangular micro-structures,in different developments, to the effect that structures of the samekind (triangle) are shown here, however, they possess differentinclination angles of the individual smallest ribs, and also differentdistances in-between the ribs, as well as combinations of structureswith identical inclination angles and the same basic rib shapes, butdifferent heights and distances in-between the individual structures.

FIGS. 3 i and 3 j show comparable lengthwise directed micro-structures,however, consisting of rectangular structures in terms of smallestprotrusions.

FIG. 3 k-3 m also show lengthwise directed micro-structures. Theirsmallest protrusions are here shown in the form of round-walledelements.

FIG. 3 n shows a different form of lengthwise directed micro-structures.Their smallest protrusions here possess the shape of very slim ribs.

FIG. 4 a-4 e show perspective top view on a surface, e.g. structuredwith triangular ribs.

FIG. 4 a principally shows the comparable surface like FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 b shows a similar surface like 4 a, however, with the differencethat here the rib structures are not applied continuously but withspaces in-between, however, still aligned in one line (alignment) onebehind the other.

FIG. 4 c shows a similar surface like 4 b, here different zones can bedeveloped on the surface in the form of protrusions of differentlengths.

FIG. 4 d shows a similar surface like 4 c, however, here a further zoneis shown possessing finer structuring, also lengthwise and also alignedwith the other protrusions, but, e.g. with double the number ofprotrusions (same heights but different inclination angles or differentheights but the same/or different inclination angles) per unit of area.

FIG. 4 e shows a similar surface like 4 d, however, here a row ofprotrusions, for example, is arranged on the surface in such a way thatthey are no longer aligned with the rest of the protrusions. In thisexample the possibility is shown, that both, different rib heights andalso different rib heights and groove valleys, not arranged in a row onebehind the other, can follow behind each other to create a certainamount of turbulences, if required.

FIG. 5 a shows a section of a perspective top view on a lengthwisedirected rib structure which is equipped both in the area of theprotrusions and also in the groove valleys with a variant of theself-cleaning, soil-resisting burl structure.

FIG. 5 b shows a sectional drawing through a lengthwise directed ribstructure which is equipped both in the area of the protrusions and alsoin the groove valleys with a variant of the self-cleaning,soil-resisting burl structure. However, in this example, the burlsconsist of protrusions of different sizes and different shape, incontrary to FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6 a shows a top view on a surface equipped with two differentcombinations of lengthwise directed structures, according to invention.In this figure two rib structures are shown possessing differentdistances in-between the ribs, and they also possess a smooth surface inthe edge area.

FIG. 6 b also shows a top view on a surface. This surface is equippedwith three different structure combinations, according to invention. Itrepresents a surface being moved in the direction of the arrows.

The right-hand side represents a lengthwise directed structure (1),oriented in the direction of motion, consisting of ribs and grooves.Next to it there is a structure (2) which is also directed, consistingof ribs and grooves, however, aligned diagonally to the above mentionedstructure. The third structure (3), according to invention, is developedin the form of lengthwise directed rib and groove structures, equippedwith small, self-cleaning non-directed protrusions. Comparable with theexamples in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b.

FIG. 7 represents in a top view, a further development of the surface,according to invention, in the form of rib and groove structures which,in contrary to the above applications, are not aligned in a parallel waybut they are constructed in a way as to approach each other and/ordiverge from each other. Complementary to this figure, any otherstructural shapes of the directed surface structure can be developed,like, e.g. completely converging ribs as well as decreasing orincreasing heights of the ribs, etc.

The following figures are neither according to scale nor are they meantto represent specific sliding elements, since under this applicationthey only serve to demonstrate the application range, variationpossibilities and advantages of the improvements, according toinvention. The micro-structuring shown stands in place of all possiblesurfaces, structured according to invention. Figures of slidingelements, in particular snow sliding elements, are shown as practicalapplications, as well as all objects, devices, etc., which can be usedin this connection.

FIG. 8 a shows an example in a cross-section of the presently usedstructuring of sliding soles of sliding elements.

Here, there are approx. three groove-type recesses in the direction ofmotion within a width of 1 mm.

FIG. 8 b represents a cross section with structuring, according toinvention, on the surfaces of a ski

-   1.—sole equipped with micro-structuring-   2.—steel edge equipped with micro-structuring-   3.—sidewall equipped with micro-structuring-   4.—core-   5.—top strap-   6.—bottom strap-   7.—shell, surface equipped with micro-structuring

It must be taken in consideration, here, that all surfaces can bedeveloped with structures, each adapted to the respective requirements.Directed as well as non-directed as well as combined structures can beapplied.

FIG. 9 also represents a cross-section, where (1) shows the sole, (2)the steel edge, (4) the relatively coarse, presently used lengthwisedirected structures, and (3) a formation of the also lengthwise directedmicro-structuring, equipped with triangular protrusions and trapezoidrecesses.

FIG. 10 a shows the top view on the surface of a sliding element, basedon the example of a ski sole with the two steel edges. This relates to aregular, lengthwise directed micro-structuring with ski edges on theoutsides (non-structured).

FIG. 10 b also shows lengthwise micro-structuring in the central skisole area (4), micro-structuring is also applied to the outer areas ofthe ski sole (3) and to the inner sections of the ski edges (2),however, next to the one aligned in the direction of motion, also aversion directed slanting towards the back, to enable excess water to bedrained below the ground outside of the ski edge (1).

FIG. 11 shows a sectional drawing through the ski lining section shownin 10 b. In this example both the ski edge are shown as well as aportion of the ski sole.

(1) shows the outmost part of the steel edge, partially ground, whichdoes not show any structuring here. (2) represents the part of the steeledge located further inside which shows here a combination of twostructures, a structure running in the direction of motion (6) and asecond structure (5) running diagonally, in direction of motion towardsthe outside and the back in a slanting way. The area of ski's slidingsurface located outside (3) shows comparable structuring. Whereas thecentral area, in the center of the ski's sole, only possesses astructure running in the direction of motion (6).

Due to this kind of structuring, the excess water share of the waterfilm under the ski can be easily drained off to the outside below thesteel edge.

FIG. 12 a-12 c show a top view on a ski sole.

12 a shows a lengthwise directed micro-structure in the form of agroove/rib profile, possessing the same structuring all over thecomplete sole.

12 b represents two possible sections of the same kind of structuring,however, with differing arrangement. In the central area, in the centerof the ski's sole one can see a lengthwise directed micro-structuring,in the edge are, as well as at the tip and at the end of the ski's sole,normally areas where the ski is bent upward, the sole possesses a groovestructure, aligned slanting/diagonally to the direction of motion, whichruns on both sides in a way slanting to the back towards the edge area.

12 c is the same like FIG. 12 b with respect to the principal design,with the difference that here the lengthwise directed central area ofthe micro-structuring shows a somewhat different outer shape.

FIG. 13 a again shows a cross section through a sliding element. Here aski edge and the sole with its lengthwise directed microstructuring areshown.

In this figure the protrusions (ribs) of the micro-structured surface ofthe ski's sole form one level with the ski's steel edges.

FIG. 13 b shows a further possibility where the protrusions of thestructured area are not flush with the edges, but they can be e.g.applied protruding by the elevation height beyond the remainingsurfaces, they can also protrude by parts of these heights.

As an additional difference, here part of the steel edges are equippedwith lengthwise directed micro-structures (compare to FIG. 10 a withnon-structured edges, FIG. 11 possessing structures, but nearly flush).

One could assume, e.g. with respect to the raised variant (FIG. 13 b)that the protrusions of the structures protrude minimally from the skisurface (however, only approx. 0.025 mm), i.e. approx. {fraction (1/40)}mm with an approximate distance in-between the individual protrusions ofapprox. 0.05 mm.

The number of protrusions per sole, with a sole of approx. 10 cm width,would thus result in approx. 2000 ribs per ski, with a relatively finestructure of 20 protrusions per mm. Due to this high number a verystable surface can be achieved. Furthermore, stability and torsion-proofof the ski sole are increased due to the folded design of the surface(compare trapezoid sheet, corrugated cardboard).

1. Body, with a plurality of surfaces, which get in contact withdifferent media, wherein a first surface is provided with a firstsurface structuring in the micrometer range and/or in the nanometerrange, wherein the first surface structuring is adapted to a firstmedium which gets in contact with the first surface, wherein a secondsurface is provided with a second surface structuring in the micrometerrange and/or in the nanometer range, wherein the second surfacestructuring is adapted to a second medium which gets in contact with thesecond surface.
 2. Body in accordance with claim 1, where the firstsurface structuring is developed as a direction-controlled surfacestructuring.
 3. Body in accordance with claim 2, where thedirection-controlled surface structuring possesses protrusions in theshape of ribs and recesses, wherein the protrusions are essentiallyaligned parallel to each other, and wherein the recesses are essentiallyaligned parallel to each other.
 4. Body in accordance with one of theclaims 1 to 3, where the first surface structuring possessesscale-shaped protrusions.
 5. Body in accordance with claim 3 or 4, whereat least a part of the surface of the protrusions and/or at least a partof the surface of the recesses is hydrophobic.
 6. Body in accordancewith one of the claims 1 to 5, where the second surface structuring isdeveloped as a non-direction controlled surface structuring, by whichthe second surface structuring provides a self-cleaning function for thesecond surface.
 7. Body in accordance with claim 6, where thenon-direction controlled surface structuring possesses burl-shapedprotrusions.
 8. Body in accordance with one of the claims 6 or 7, whereat least a part of the second surface structuring is hydrophobic toultraphobic.
 9. Body in accordance with one of the claims 2 to 8, wherethe first surface possesses a first surface section and at least oneadditional surface section, wherein the first surface section possessesthe first surface structuring, and wherein the additional surfacesection possesses a direction-controlled additional surface structuringin the micrometer range, wherein the directional orientation of theadditional surface structuring is inclined at a given angle with respectto the directional orientation of the first surface structuring. 10.Body in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 9, where the firstsurface structuring and/or the second surface structuringpossess/possesses structures of different structure dimensions.
 11. Bodyin accordance with one of the claims 1 to 10, where the first surfacestructuring and/or the second surface structuring possess/possessesflexible protrusions.
 12. Body in accordance with one of the claims 1 to10, where the second surface additionally possesses a surfacestructuring where the structure dimension is larger compared to thestructure dimension of the second surface structuring.
 13. Body inaccordance with claim 12, here the additional surface structuring of thesecond surface possesses a structure dimension in the micrometer range.14. Body in accordance with claim 12 or 13, where the additional surfacestructuring of the second surface is developed as a direction-controlledsurface structuring.
 15. Body in accordance with one of the claims 1 to14, where the structure dimension of the first surface structuring isbetween approx. 10_m and approx. 1 mm.
 16. Body in accordance with oneof the claims 1 to 15, where the structure dimension of the secondsurface structuring is between approx. 0.5_m and approx. 1 mm.
 17. Bodyin accordance with one of the claims 1 to 16, where the second surfacestructuring is adapted to the second medium, wherein the second mediumis a different medium compared to the first medium.
 18. Body inaccordance with one of the claims 1 to 17, where the first surface andthe second surface form a combined surface, where the first surfacestructuring and the second surface structuring are arranged.
 19. Body inaccordance with one of the claims 1 to 18, developed as one of thefollowing devices: sliding element carrier, sliding element box, vehiclebicycle carrier, vehicle load carrier, sports device, especially ballstriking device and/or ball.
 20. Body in accordance with on of theclaims 1 to 18, developed as sliding element.
 21. Body in accordancewith claim 20, where at least one additional device is attached to thesliding element, which (one additional device) possesses on its surfaceat least partially the second surface structuring.
 22. Body inaccordance with claim 21, where the additional device is one of thefollowing devices: sliding element brake, sliding element binding,sliding element binding elevation plate, or sliding element shoes.